The Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services (MCBDDS) has created an initiative to help spur business ownership among people with developmental disabilities. This initiative, known as Supported Business Ownership, is a resource families can use to support their efforts; it is not a service MCBDDS provides.
How It Works
MCBDDS has created an Innovation Guide and resources to lead people with disabilities through the process of discovery to help them determine whether business ownership is a good fit.
Helping People Understand Self-Employment
The following videos can be used to help individuals with disabilities understand self-employment options and why self-employment is important. These videos were produced by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
Providing Guidance, Framework and Resources
Once an individual shows interest in starting a business, they need guidance. Our Innovation Guide helps them evaluate whether this is the right path for them. It walks them through the steps involved in opening a business, from forming a team to conducting a feasibility study, writing a business plan, and securing funding. It also provides resources they can tap to support their efforts.
Getting Started
This journey begins by contacting Jennifer Corcoran, program consultant, to express interest in business ownership. Once this occurs, a support team that may include family members, friends, providers, funders, and community resources is formed to explore and develop the business.
You can also explore a one-page description of MCBDDS's Supported Business Ownership program for a quick summary.