How to Become an Entrepreneur if You’re Living with a Disability

Just like able-bodied people, these individuals have hopes and ambitions. If you’re living with a disability, it doesn’t have to keep you from following your dreams. Starting your own business provides income for yourself, sometimes without even leaving your home. Because you’re working for yourself, you’ll be able to set your own hours and create a flexible schedule that still allows you to care for your own needs.

Here are some practical tips for taking the plunge into business ownership, even if you are living with a disability:

Determine What Type of Business to Start

When coming up with an idea for your own business, the options are endless. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities or are having trouble settling on a single idea, ask yourself, “What issues do I care about the most? What are my passions and interests?” The answers to the above questions can help you find your true calling as you brainstorm business ideas.
Have a plan

Knowing what type of business you’d like to start is the first step. Just like any able-bodied business owner, you’ll want to set your business up for success. Start by creating a business plan for your business. Many new entrepreneurs skip this crucial step because they think it will be too complicated or too tedious. The truth is that your business plan is the foundation of your business and without one, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Luckily, business plans don’t have to be as daunting as we make them out to be in our minds. According to Entrepreneur.com, there are a few key steps you should following when creating your business plan, such as researching your market and your competitors; writing out a profile of your business and how you’ll operate as a company; and determining strategies for introducing new products and marketing yourself to potential customers.

If all of this still seems overwhelming, don’t worry; you don’t have to go it alone. You can find a business advisor or mentor or take advantage of free government programs like the Small Business Association or your local S.C.O.R.E. chapter. You might also join the Disabled Entrepreneurs Network for additional support.
Secure Funding

Funding is an important consideration when running a business. Most businesses have some level of overhead costs. If you’re running a home-based web design business, your overhead might be fairly low, but you’ll still need to purchase a computer and pay a monthly fee for Internet service, at the very least. Other types of businesses might require additional equipment and up-front costs or higher monthly expenses. Do some research before starting your business so that you know what you’ll expect to pay.

If you don’t have a lot of money in the bank, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t go into business on your own. There are still many options available for you. You’ll be thrilled to learn that the government provides special grants and other types of funding for businesses that are started by individuals who have disabilities.

Another option you might need to consider is getting a small business loan. There are many different types of business loans available, from Small Business Association (SBA) loans to specific loans that will help you finance your equipment. Loan amounts, terms and interest rates vary so it’s best to read through literature available online (for example, see Fundera’s comprehensive guide on business loans) and schedule a time to meet with an experienced representative when exploring your options.

Your disability doesn’t have to keep you from living a fulfilling life. Thanks to government-sponsored initiatives and the variety of resources available these days, those who are living with a disability are able to access many of the same resources when starting a business as are most able-bodied entrepreneurs. By taking advantage of the advice and resources listed in this article, you’ll be one step closer to taking the leap into business ownership - and living the life of your dreams.

(Patrick Young writes from personal experience. He is disabled, lives in Los Angeles and is a CityWatch contributor.) Prepped for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.