Q:  If it really takes a village of service providers to enable business start up, where are they?  How do I find them?

A:  Unfortunately, there is no national clearinghouse that identifies the universe of potential service providers related to business planning and implementation.  There are, however, a few logical resources that can point you in the general direction.

• The Association for Enterprise Opportunity is the trade organization for many of the country’s microenterprise and microfinance providers.  You can search by state to find out who is providing specific types of services in your area (loans, business training, financial education, etc.) and then click through to their specific website:  http://www.aeoworks.org/index.php/site/page/category/find/
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides individualized technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services to individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers. JAN consultants handle each inquiry on a case-by-case basis offering self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports and benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. JAN customers can expect to receive a resource packet tailored to their specific entrepreneurial goals with consultants available throughout all stages of the process who can provide ongoing supports.  Contact http://askjan.org/entre/index.htm for access to an index of many disability-related service providers.
• The Abilities Fund is the longest standing microenterprise group specifically for people with disabilities in the country.  For a referral to a microenterprise group or to ask questions about maximizing the services provided locally, contact prlind@abilitiesfund.org.  www.abilitiesfund.org
• The Corporation for Enterprise Development is the nation’s leading expert on savings and financial security for low income individuals and families, including people with disabilities.  For a program directory of many of the IDA programs across the country, visit http://cfed.org/programs/idas/directory_search/.