Small Business

Small businesses are the nation’s major driver of job growth, offering employment opportunities for millions of workers, including people with disabilities. But small businesses employ disabled people at a much lower rate than do large companies.

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability's (EARN) Small Business Toolkit was developed to help address this issue. The web-based toolkit provides small businesses with practical guidance on recruiting and retaining qualified people with disabilities. It further describes the advantages of recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing disabled workers in small business. Extensive resources also provide cost effective and practical strategies.

Below are additional small business resources:

• JAN Small Business and Entrepreneurship Resources — The ODEP-funded Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides entrepreneurs with individualized technical assistance expertise and referrals. JAN’s self-employment consultants can help with business development planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports, benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. Find a consultant via the JAN on Demand for Self-Employment on this page. Here you will also find resources to help develop a small business.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) — Employers may claim this federal tax credit when hiring individuals from certain targeted groups that have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.
• ADA Update: A Primer for Small Businesses — This publication provides general guidance to help business owners understand how to comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its design standards for accessible buildings.
• Small Business Series: Tapping into Talent Through Community Partners — This archived EARN webinar explores the benefits of connecting with state and local partners to help small businesses recruit and hire new employees.
• Small Business Series: The Low Cost and High Impact of Accommodating Employees — This archived EARN webinar details how to increase job success for employees with disabilities through low- or no-cost, high-impact accommodations.

Visit ODEP’s Employers page for more small business resources.