NSBA has played a critical role in providing the Department of Labor with information on how small businesses address disability inclusion in smaller workplaces.
Earlier this year, the DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) hosted a series of dialogues to explore the goal of advancing disability inclusion in the smallest businesses.
Done in partnership with ePolicyWorks, an online dialogue hosting venue, DOL, NSBA and a handful of other small-business groups discussed ways small businesses with fewer than 50 employees could hire and retain workers with disabilities, as well as disabled business owners and entrepreneurs.
The new report highlights the themes discussed throughout the dialogue and summarizes metrics DOL and small businesses can use to determine progress and success. Among the key takeaways:
Broadening and increasing support for small business owners in compliance with disability regulations.
Creating grant programs specifically for disabled entrepreneurs.
Establishing state-level entrepreneur centers and incubators.
Improving support for disabled entrepreneurs, particularly on legal structure, financing, and business plans.
Increasing and improving access to certifications, particularly from SBA.
Providing financial assistance to cover initial hiring and onboarding costs such as training, workplace accommodations, insurance, and other associated expenses.
Simplifying and expanding tax credits and access to support for disabled workers in the gig economy.
As America’s oldest and only nonpartisan small-business advocate, NSBA is privileged to take part in conversations dedicated to ensuring opportunity and inclusion for our entire community.
Read the full report here.
