How to Find Grants for Small Businesses That Hire the Disabled

The US Government has several grant programs that are geared to help disabled individuals find employment. Some of these government programs offer small businesses grants to buy new equipment while others offer a great tax incentive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The most common grants given to Small Businesses that hire disabled workers are grants to cover costs of accommodating the worker so they can do their job. For instance if a seeing impaired worker would need special software the grant could pay for such material.

2. Tax incentives are also given to businesses that hire disabled workers who are participating in a specific work program that is controlled by a government program. The participant must qualify for the program and the proper paper work must be filed before the worker is employed for 90 days.

3. Grants can also be given to small businesses to cover the disabled workers wage for up to a year while training. This allows the business to have a free employee for a year, but the business is usually required to train the employee properly.

4. To find information on any of the grants or incentives to hire employees with disabilities go to your local vocational rehabilitation office. Each office is usually ran by State funding, so programs available may vary. In some states governments such as the state unemployment office and economic security would also be great sources to find grants for such purposes.

Tips & Warnings

• Most programs do not require the business to be considered small but the benefits given in such programs may not have as big of a impact on a large business.
• Never hire a individual with a disability just because they are disabled. If they can not do the job if given reasonable accommodations, you are not doing anyone a favor.
• There are many guidelines and restrictions set forth in programs that offer benefits to hire disabled individuals to spot phony businesses that are only after government grant money.

[Fuller1972]

on 5/16/2009 Thanks great advice**5