If you are an entrepreneur with a disability who is either interested in starting or currently owns a business in Pennsylvania, there are many organizations that offer services specifically geared toward supporting you and your business. The resources in this section range from local to national and offer specific opportunities and funding to disability-owned businesses.

State Resources

Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, (OVR) helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Through face-to-face counseling and a network of approved vendors, OVR counselors will assist you in selecting your employment goals and finding services that can help you reach them. To apply for OVR services, please contact the OVR District Office that serves your county.

Federal Resources

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor dedicated to increasing the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  ODEP provides many resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities who are seeking information on self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service of ODEP. Consultants can help with self-employment and small business development for people with disabilities and provide referral services for business planning, financial strategies, marketing research, eCommerce, and more.

The Abilities Fund is focused on advancing entrepreneurial opportunities for Americans with disabilities. It provides training and assistance to both individuals with disabilities and the organizations that support them. By connecting individuals to lending programs that are best suited to their needs, budding entrepreneurs can obtain the funding they need to launch and grow a small business. When you connect with the Abilities Fund, a program manager will assist with comprehensive business planning services, support, and financial advice.