It just shouldn't be so hard for handicapped entrepreneurs to get
business loans, or even investment financing from venture capital and
angel investors.
I lived in California for
several decades, and I naively believed that the ADA meant something,
and that government was doing something right for those with
disabilities.
Then I saw other states
and other cities. I saw lawyers laugh at the ADA; I saw major cities
with pavement entirely too rough for a wheel chair and new buildings
with no access.
One thing I have not seen
are wheelchairs of any kind. It's as though whole cities stuffed all
their handicapped citizens into closets.
We live in the age of
Stephen Hawking and Christopher Reeves -- this shouldn't be happening.
As a country, we have so,
so far to go.
It's no wonder that so
many people with disabilities opt to form their own companies.
By necessity, many of
these companies are small entrepreneurial ventures. If this is the case
for your business, take a look at SBA
Micro Loans in particular. The SBA in general is an excellent source
for small business loans -- it is one of the very few sources that
doesn't discriminate.
If your business is
larger, with stronger financial needs, then the sky is limit.
-
Yes, create
a strong online presence
-
Yes, develop a strong
Advisory Board comprised of businesspeople in your field.
-
Yes, incorporate your
business.
-
Yes, formalize any
existing small business loans or contributions.
But when you have taken
care of these formalities, then hit 'em hard.
Present a business plan
worthy of your company.
Present your company
just like you would present any other company. Tell them you are
handicapped, or don't. It doesn't matter.
I REPEAT: IT
DOESN'T MATTER.
I kind of lean toward
letting it slip AFTER you have their attention and their interest. If
they balk, so be it. Look elsewhere, and count yourself lucky that you
haven't wasted any more time or money on narrow minded *!%^@s.
Let me know how you do.
Back to top of
Business Loans for Handicapped Entrepreneurs
Also see
Work
from Home Businesses -- When commuting is difficult, sometimes the best
option is to explore the options at home. Fortunately, these options can
be lucrative as well.
Business
plans -- venture capital and angel investors. Creating exceptionally
strong plans for exceptionally competitive markets.
SBA
business plans. How to get your business plan in front of one of the
largest lenders in the country.
Deaf
Entrepreneurs -- A group of young deaf entrepreneurs stole the show and
the prize money in a business plan competition.
|
