Next Steps

There are many organizations that help people start small businesses. These organizations might help you write a business plan, give you business training, or even provide funding or equipment. Some of these organizations are specifically aimed at helping people with disabilities, but some aren't.

A few good places to start looking for help are:

• Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Georgia. SBDCs partner with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide assistance and resources to people who have or want to start small businesses. The University of Georgia SBDC offers free workshops for potential entrepreneurs and has a team of advisors who can help you with finances and getting loans
• The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), which can help you plan your business and get you training if you qualify for its services
• SCORE, a nonprofit that provides education, mentorship, and tools to help small businesses get off the ground
• Synergies Work, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities start small businesses
  
• The Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN), a nonprofit association in Georgia that supports and funds microenterprises
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which provides technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services to people with disabilities, including help with self-employment and small business development

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

A trained benefits expert can help you understand your benefits programs. Exactly who you need to contact depends on your situation and the benefits you get.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) helps people with physical and mental disabilities prepare for and find work. GVRA can help you get the training or other services that you need to return to work, enter a new line of work, keep working, or get a job for the first time. Services are carefully chosen to match your personal needs, and your GVRA counselor will work with you to decide which GVRA services are best for you.

Learn more about GVRA services and how to apply.