Support for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
July is Disability Pride Month. This month, we’re celebrating stories from local entrepreneurs and highlighting resources that reduce barriers for business owners. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or thinking of starting a small business, the resources below may be helpful.
Get Free Benefits Counseling if you are working or plan to work
If you are working or plan to work and have questions about how that may impact your disability benefits, connect with a benefit counselor through the two programs below.
Work Incentives Network partner Independent Living Resources provides free benefits counseling.
Plan for Work: this program is managed by Disability Rights Oregon. Eligible participants will receive information about work incentives and can get help with work incentive planning and benefits management.
Northwest Access Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. It offers people with disabilities customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources to promote access to assistive technology, independence, financial resilience, and life opportunities.
Its small business support program is designed to assist potential and existing entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and managing a small business, navigating the gig economy, or managing self-employment income. The program supports entrepreneurs ages 16 and up with all disabilities, all income levels, and all types of businesses with under 5 employees.
Check out their Inclusive Entrepreneurship webinar series or contact smallbiz@nwaccessfund.org to learn more about their no-cost, one-on-one confidential business coaching.
If you have questions about disability benefits or personal finance, Northwest Access Fund’s coaches may help. Fill out the form linked here and they'll try to reply within 3 business days.
