“Entrepreneurship is an important and viable option for adults with disabilities, particularly those who operate outside of the traditional labor force. There are over 1.8 million disabled business owners in the United States, many of whom may need to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship that their abled counterparts don’t have to consider.” [1]
Can you start a business if you’re on disability?
“Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits doesn’t mean you can’t start a business, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) has guidelines for SSDI recipients starting their own businesses. Generally speaking, if your monthly earnings plus any unearned income don’t exceed $1,470 per month ($2,460 if you’re a person with vision impairment or low vision), then you can start a business without impacting your disability benefits eligibility or payment amount. However, if your gross earnings exceed those limits for more than nine months within a rolling 60-month period after you’re approved for disability benefits, then the SSA may deem that you have gone back to work and no longer need SSDI payments.
It’s important to note that even though earning above the limit can cause a temporary or permanent suspension in your payments, this would only occur once all other sources of income combined with your self-employment income exceeds the allowable threshold. To help ensure your eligibility is not affected, you should inform the SSA if you start a business and provide them with details of your earnings.” [2]
Here are some tailored business ideas for individuals with disabilities, focusing on flexibility, accessibility, and leveraging unique strengths or lived experiences:
Business Ideas for Individuals with Disabilities
“💻 Online & Tech-Based Businesses
- Freelance Writing/Editing – Write articles, blogs, or edit content for clients. Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr.
- Graphic Design or Digital Art – Use tools like Canva, Adobe, or Procreate.
- Web Development – Design and build websites; can be done entirely remotely.
- Virtual Assistant Services – Offer admin support like email management, scheduling, etc.
- E-commerce Store – Sell crafts, art, or dropshipped items via Etsy or Shopify.
- Affiliate Marketing or Blogging – Monetize a niche blog with affiliate links or ad revenue.
🎤 Advocacy, Coaching & Education
- Disability Advocacy Consulting – Help businesses improve accessibility or run training workshops.
- Life or Career Coaching – Especially powerful if drawing from lived experience with disability.
- Online Course Creation – Teach a skill you’ve mastered using platforms like Teachable or Udemy.
- Motivational Speaking – Share your journey with schools, companies, or conferences.
🛠️ Service-Based Businesses (Flexible/Remote-Friendly)
- Voiceover or Audiobook Narration – Great for those with strong speaking voices.
- Podcasting or YouTube Channel – Create content around disability, lifestyle, tech, etc.
- Handmade Crafts or Art – Sell jewelry, pottery, or handmade items online or at fairs.
- Resume Writing or Job Coaching – Assist others in improving their job search outcomes.
🧩 Niche or Creative Ideas
- Accessible Product Development – Design and sell tools/products that enhance accessibility.
- Adaptive Fashion Brand – Clothing tailored for individuals with mobility challenges.
- App Development for Accessibility – Build or collaborate on apps that support the disabled community.
- Pet Services (if mobility allows) – Dog walking, pet grooming, or pet sitting.
🔁 Key Considerations:
- Choose businesses that offer remote or flexible work.
- Automate or delegate physical tasks when possible.
- Use assistive technologies to enhance productivity.
- Consider government grants or programs supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities.” [3]
Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
“Grants for Disabled Entrepreneurs
- Federal Grants: https://grants.gov/
- Transform Business Grants: https://www.transformgrant.org/the-grant/
- NASE Growth Grants: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
- NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant: https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/how-to-start-a-consulting-business/41384
- Feed the Soul Foundation: https://feedthesoulfou.org/restaurant-business-development/
- Other Resources: https://www.grantwatch.com/
- Federal Loans: https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/types-7a-loans
- SBA Microloans: https://www.entrepreneur.com/money-finance/business-microloans/52724
- USDA Business Loans: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/toolkits/disabilities.pdf”
Resources
[1] https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/funding-options-for-disabled-entrepreneurs
[2] https://www.zenbusiness.com/business-owners-disabilities-guide/
[3] https://chatgpt.com/c/6814f7af-cebc-8004-b8c0-fa22bf8e80ec