Start-up support - an overview

If you are disabled and wanting to set up a new business, there could be extra support available for you.

• nidirect's Access to Work programme can help people with disabilities who wish to take up employment.
• Disability charity Leonard Cheshire and easyGroup chairman Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou run an annual award for an exceptional disabled entrepreneur - the Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award.
• If you wish to apply you will need to demonstrate how the prize money would make a major difference to your business. Find out more about the Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award.
• If you have a disability and usually work 16 hours or more a week, you may also be able to get extra tax credits. The disability must be one that makes it hard for you to get a job and you must be receiving, or have recently received, a qualifying sickness or disability-related benefit.
• The Shaw Trust is a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances. Find out how the Shaw Trust can help you.
• The Association of Disabled Professionals (ADP) provides a forum for disabled people to share problems and experiences. It also offers employment advice and information and support for disabled people, including advice on issues relating to benefits and networking opportunities.  Find ADP disabled employment advice.

You can also access free start-up business support from your local council. If you have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps, Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.

Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for this free advice and guidance.

For further information see starting a business: advice for people with a disability.