Mission
Abilicorp’s mission is to initiate
and promote Disabled Owned Businesses. It aims to provide resources needed to
implement innovative ideas that offer products and services for and by people
with disabilities. Creative ideas may include developing gadgets and software,
producing art and entertainment, providing remote assistance, financial
management, and personal assistant services. Resources include access to
investors, capital, mentors, advisers, marketers, classes, workshops, forums, blogs,
and assistive technology. Abilicorp will encourage any products and
services it helps bring to fruition to be made available through the Abilicorp
website.
Background
My focus in the Disability
Movement has been improving employment opportunities for people with
disabilities. Despite great laws, including the Americans with Disability Act,
that have significantly improved people’s lives with disabilities, most people
with disabilities’ economic well-being continue to be dismal. The unemployment
rate still hovers around 70%. Many great agencies are working very hard to
improve the financial health of this community. What is missing is a concerted
effort to initiate and promote Disabled Owned Businesses
The Entrepreneurial Spirit; Initiating
Disabled Owned Businesses
The U.S. spends millions of
dollars annually trying to improve employment opportunities for people with
disabilities. Much of this goes to persuade employers to hire people with
disabilities. Some of this funding goes to preparing this cohort to be part of
the workforce. Vocation training includes such things as resume writing and
interviewing skills. Little if any funds are available to promote the
entrepreneurial spirit many of us do or can have. As with the general
population, there are people with disabilities who undoubtedly do better
working for themselves. Abilicorp will create a model that will promote
entrepreneurs with disabilities by providing them with the support they need.
Abilicorp will undertake an education campaign informing the greater Disability
Community that entrepreneurship is a feasible option with a proven model.
Promoting Disabled Owned Businesses
Some websites promote minority-owned
businesses. A quick Google search for lists by minority-owned enterprises
resulted in
- Women-Owned Businesses
- Black-Owned Businesses
- LBTQ-Owned-Businesses
- Hispanic-owned Businesses
- Veteran-Owned Businesses. (includes service-disabled veterans)
- Deaf-Owned-Businesses
There is no similar type of website
for disability-owned companies. Disability: In
has a comprehensive process for certifying Disabled Owned Business Enterprise,
but the list they maintain is only available to corporate sponsors of their
agency.
Funding Strategy
Abilicorp will request 5% of
any products and services sold through its website. Abilicorp will ask for a
board seat on enterprises it helps start or fund. An Abilicorp staff member or
adviser will fill this seat. Abilicorp will also seek a 10% minority interest
in any for-profit corporation to help fund or start. Investors will be
encouraged to invest directly in enterprises of their choosing. Investors who
want to fund anonymously or through charitable giving can do so through
Abilicorp.
Next Steps
There is a crucial need for
attendants. Abilicorp’s first project will be starting the Abilicorp
– Personal Assistant Services(ABPAS)
Would you please let me know what
questions and comments you have regarding this exciting new endeavor?
