Business . gov - The Official Business Link to the U . S .

Government

Financing a Business
Federal and state government agencies do not provide grants
to people with disabilities for starting a business.
However, there are a number of low-interest loan programs
that help disabled people obtain startup financing. The
following loan progams are specifically for business owners
with disabilities . Visit the Loans and Grants Search Tool
to get a full list of grant, loan, and venture capital
programs for which you might qualify
 Disability Benefits
• SSA Publication No. 05-10029, August 2009, ICN 456000, [View .pdf]  (En Español)  
Contacting Social Security
• Our website is a valuable resource for information about all of Social Security’s
programs. There are a number of things you can do online.
• In addition to using our website, you can call us toll-free at 1 - 800 - 772 - 1213. We
treat all calls confidentially. We can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7
p.m., Monday through Friday. We can provide information by automated phone service
24 hours a day. (You can use our automated response system to tell us a new
address or request a replacement Medicare card.) If you are deaf or hard of
hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1 - 800 - 325 - 0778.
• We also want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we
have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls.
 
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 Business . gov - The
Official Business
Link to the U . S .
Government
zation led by business for business, and how it promotes best practices in hiring
lities
uses business principles to improve the economic status of individuals with disa

ies to succeed in the business world.

ployed in agriculture.
 Business . gov - The Official Business Link to the U . S .
Government

• Tax Information
• Accessible IRS Tax Products
Get popular tax forms and publications in
accessible formats, including Braille and
talking formats.
• Facts About Disability-Related Tax Provisions
Info on the IRS' disability-related
provisions of particular interest to
businesses as well as people with
disabilities.
• Tax Incentives Packet on the Americans with Disa
Find out how to take advantage of the tax
credit and deduction available for
complying with the ADA.
 Business . gov - The Official Business Link to the U . S .
Government

• Starting a Business
• Entrepreneur Resources for People with Disabilities
Information, resources and technical assistance to expand opportunities for
self-employment and small business.
• Important Considerations for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Discusses important considerations for potential entrepreneurs with
disabilities.
• Online Seminar: Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
Introduces some of the critical factors in considering business feasibility,
developing financial resources, basic business plan development, and the
identification and access to community small business resources.
• Small Business and Self-Employment Service
Provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and
small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.

• START-UP USA
Self-employment information and resources for individuals with disabilities.
• State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Learn about programs that help people with disabilities become employed,
including self-employment.
• Ticket to Work Program
This connects social security disability insurance and supplemental security
income beneficiaries with employment networks for training and other support
services needed to achieve their employment goals, including self-employment.

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 Business . gov - The Official Business Link to the U . S . Government

• Abilities Fund
Offers financial assistance, customize training and resources to entrepreneurs with
disabilities.
• Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project
Get information on state loan programs and success stories.
• Illinois Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program
Small businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities,
women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
• Iowa Target Small Business Assistance Program
Provides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities
and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
• Maine: Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program Fund
Financial assistance to disabled persons and businesses for the purchase, construction or
installation of adaptive products or equipment that allow disabled persons to become more
independent within the community, promotes mobility and improves independence and quality
of life. Businesses may use loan funds to facilitate compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Maryland WorkABILITY Loan Program
Home-based and business loans from $500 to $5,000 for people with disabilities. 
• Michigan Telework Loan Fund
Michigan residents with disabilities can apply for loans for equipment and home
modifications that will allow them to either start a home-based business or work for an
employer from home.
• Mississippi Capital Access Loan Program
Provides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in
obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending
institution.
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