Resources For Entrepreneurs With Disabilities
Explore trusted tools, organizations, programs, and educational resources designed to support entrepreneurs with disabilities as they start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
National Entrepreneurship Resources
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating disability-related challenges.
Disability:
IN Small Business Hub
Offers:
✔ Courses, webinars, and events (e.g., self-employment credential programs)
✔ Guidance on capital, insurance, and scaling a business
Why it’s valuable: Designed to support individuals at every stage—start, build, grow
Office of Disability
Employment Policy
Offers:
✔ Federal resources and partnerships supporting entrepreneurship
✔ Links to programs like JAN, SBA, and START-UP initiatives
Why it’s valuable: A central hub connecting to multiple vetted national programs
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Offers:
✔ Free counseling, training, and certifications
✔ Access to funding programs and contracting opportunities
Why it’s valuable: A core national resource for business startup fundamentals and funding pathways
SCORE
Offers:
✔ Free mentoring from experienced
business professionals
✔ Workshops and templates
Why it’s valuable: Widely available and often partnered with disability programs via SBA
Illinois Small Business Development Center
Offers:
✔ Free 1:1 business advising
✔ Help writing business plans, marketing, and financial projections
✔ Guidance on funding and licensing
✔ Multiple locations across Chicagoland
Illinois SBDCs provide no-cost, confidential advising for startups and existing businesses
Benefits Protection
+ Business
Planning Tools
Social Security PASS Program
Allows SSI recipients to:
✔ Set aside income for business startup
✔ Not count some income against benefits
Designed specifically for
entrepreneurship goals
Choose Work
Explains:
✔ Work incentives
✔ Income limits
✔ How to safely increase earnings
Includes self-employment guidance
Transition-Aged Youth (High School → Adult Life)
Project Onward
Focus: creative entrepreneurship
Provides:
✔ Studio space
✔ Mentorship
✔ Income through art sales
Designed for individuals aging out of youth programs
Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (IDHS-DRS)
Offers:
✔ Self-employment plans through vocational rehabilitation
✔ Funding for startup costs, training, and supports
Works closely with SBDCs and local providers
Illinois VR programs are being strengthened to better support employment outcomes, including self-employment pathways
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