The NYS Center for Disability Entrepreneurship

Our Mission

The NYS Center for Disability Entrepreneurship, part of the Farmingdale SBDC, offers specialized training, resources, and free one-on-one business advisement to help individuals living with a disability start and/or grow their businesses.

NYS Center for Disability Entrepreneurship Overview

In 2023, the Farmingdale SBDC was awarded a three year grant from the NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) to develop a statewide small business technical assistance program. This program delivers entrepreneurship assistance and educational training to meet the needs of the disability community. The program works to ensure the community has the resources they need to be successful as they start to think if entrepreneurship is the right path for them. 

The SBDC staff has trained experts throughout the State to work with clients with different abilities, and resources are set aside to ensure each client has what they need to be successful.

What We Offer

• One-on-One Business Counseling
• Offering 4-part webinar series, "Starting Your Business, What You Need to Know"
• Webinars on all aspects of running a business
• Business support across New York State
• Peer-to-Peer group to current or former SBDC Clients
• Up to date resources and information to assist small businesses

Links to Other Resources

• NYS COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (CDD):
  • The mission of the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is to enhance the lives of New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities and their families through programs that promote self-advocacy, participation, and inclusion in all facets of community life. Learn More Here
• WORK INCENTIVES PLANNING & ASSISTANCE (WIPA):  
  • Provides free benefits counseling to eligible SS and SSI beneficiaries who have a disability to help them make informed choices about work. Community Work Incentive Coordinators provide counseling about working, earning more money and how working may affect your benefits. Learn More Here
• ACCESS-VR:
  • This organization has vocational rehab counselors that help adults with disabilities find employment or offer grants for those who want to be self-employed. Learn More Here

Check Out Our Center's Podcast!