Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #290
New York Can Fund a Business Startup for a Worker With a Disability
ACCES-VR Supported Self-Employment
Who
Eligible ACCES-VR participants whose individualized employment plan includes a feasible self-employment goal.
What to do
Start here: Apply to ACCES-VR and discuss the business idea, disability-related needs, and a realistic business plan with your counselor.
Eligibility: You must be eligible for vocational rehabilitation and work with a counselor on an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
What you get
ACCES-VR may support self-employment as an individualized employment goal, including planning, skills development, and disability-related supports.
Benefit: Assessment and planning support; ACCES-VR lists goods, inventory, equipment, and supplies for self-employment among vocational-rehabilitation services.
Possible value: Funding and services depend on the approved plan, financial review, and a viable business concept; they are not an automatic startup grant.
Good to know
Important: Self-employment must be shown to be a viable route to the person's employment goal; support is individualized.
Availability: Current ACCES-VR policy area.
Why people miss it: The program is embedded in vocational rehabilitation rather than advertised as a broad small-business grant.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026