Ohio Abilities (ORSC and Ohio Department of Development)

http://www.rsc.ohio.gov/ohioabilities/default.aspx   The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) and the Ohio Department of Development (DOD) have formed a partnership, Ohio Abilities, to support small business owners and entrepreneurs with disabilities as they start, sustain and grow their businesses.

Ohio Abilities provides enhanced opportunities for Ohioans with most significant disabilities to explore self-employment and microenterprise. Through the agreement, the DOD Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) will provide funding grants, self-employment and business counseling, marketing training and technical assistance to Ohioans who receive services through RSC. The program has the promise of at least 40 start-up businesses in Ohio.

Ohio Abilities is being piloted in Akron, Columbus, Marietta, Toledo and Youngstown. The $2 million project invests $1.1 million in support funding and $883,000 in grants to jump start business projects for citizens with disabilities who are receiving services from RSC. The investments build wealth and increase community access for Ohioans with the most significant disabilities.