Financial Assistance

Accion New York
ACCION New York is committed to empowering diverse individuals and small businesses without access to traditional sources of credit. By providing credit and other support services to "micro" entrepreneurs, ACCION New York seeks to increase business and family incomes, create jobs and revitalize the economically disenfranchised neighborhoods of New York City, Westchester and Long Island. Individual business loans range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Project Enterprise
Project Enterprise is a non-profit organization that provides business loans, business training and networking opportunities to New York City entrepreneurs who lack adequate access to business financing. You can get a first loan of up to $1,500. Subsequent loan sizes get larger as you progress through the program.

Trickle Up Program
Founded in 1979, the Trickle Up Program's mission is to help the lowest income people worldwide take the first step up out of poverty, by providing conditional seed capital and business training essential to the launch of a micro-enterprise. This proven social and economic empowerment model is implemented in partnership with local agencies.

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General

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1918, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business membership association dedicated to helping Brooklyn businesses grow and to promoting the economic development of the borough. The Brooklyn Chamber assists by creating connections between its Members and markets in and outside the borough. Their programs are specifically designed to drive new customers to mmbers’ doorsteps.

New York City Economic Development Corporation
This site is general, one stop shopping for a variety of business assistance resources from financing programs to real estate opportunities and more. If you do business in NYC, or want to set up a New York City office, nycedc.com is a useful resource for your business. The site provides a list of nearly 60 business incentives that can help your business grow, including financing options, tax benefits and cost-saving energy programs.

The Empire State Development Corporation
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York State's economic development agency. It aims to encourage economic investment and prosperity in New York State by helping to start companies in the state, relocate them from elsewhere, expand already existing operations, and to compete more effectively and profitably in the domestic and global marketplace.

U.S. Business Advisor
Business.gov is an E-Government initiative that was developed to provide better customer service for small businesses interacting with the Federal Government. It gives U.S. small businesses access to information on Federal Government services as well as other information needed to assist with starting, running, and growing a business.

U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides grants for infrastructure development, local capacity building, and business development to help communities alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions.

Minority Business Development Agency
MBDA’s mission is to achieve entrepreneurial parity for MBEs (Minority Business Enterprises) by actively promoting their ability to grow and compete in the global economy. MBDA is addressing challenges faced by MBEs by developing programs that provide the “keys to entrepreneurial success”: access to financing, to the marketplace, to education, and to technology.

United States Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of business loans, loan guarantees and disaster loans worth more than $45 billion, in addition to a large venture capital portfolio, SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses.

NYC Link
The Official New York City Web Site of services and agencies, business resources and news.

NYC Business Link
A no fee employment Service operated by New York City's Human Resources Administration.

Guide to Starting Your Own Business
New York State Department of Labor tips on writing business plans, tracking inventory and more.

New York State Department of Labor
Job resources, employment laws, unemployment insurance and more.

Small Business Resource Center
The New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce one-stop shop for ideas, information and referrals on starting, financing and building a business in New York City.

The Better Business Bureau
The Metro New York Better Business Bureau is a non-profit business membership organization that informs the public about business and charity organization reliability, resolves customer problems without litigation, conducts outreach and education on consumer issues and promotes recognition of reputable businesses.

NYC Department of Finance Brochures and Publications
Provides a comprehensive list of available printed materials and information that addresses a variety of business concerns and interests including property taxes and tax policies.

NYC Department of Finance Tax Forms & Applications
Includes downloadable documents for business taxes such as the unincorporated business tax and excise tax for the 1999/2000 FY. Also has archived forms & applications for tax years 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (NFCDCUs)
This organization works locally and regionally to build a network of strong, sustainable, community-owned financial institutions. Member branches make loans to small businesses.

Online Women's Business Center
This site is a service of a public/private sponsorship of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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Business Research/Statistics

The Business Library at the Brooklyn Public Library
This online business library is a guide to the free e-resources that that can be accessed through Brooklyn Public Library's Web site. Subject guides summarize the main topics in several of the Library's most popular and important areas, and can also refer you to some of the key resources about them. The Business Library's periodical catalog shows titles that the Library subscribes to, and as well as how far back it has holdings in each title. Finally, the Business Library's serials and directories catalog gives information on its extensive reference and research material in print.

New York Public Library—Industry and Business Library
Provides small business information, worldwide business directories, and a list of business resources on the Web.

NYC Office of Management and Budget (http://www.nyc.gov/html/omb/html/budpubs.html)
Monthly Report on Current Economic Conditions -- includes leading current and historical economic indicators for the U.S. and New York City.

Industry-Specific Sites

Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC)
GIDC is a non-profit, public-private enterprise dedicated to strengthening New York City's apparel industry. It provides programs on quality control, quick response and exporting to workers, contractors and manufacturers, private label retailers and international buyers.

Industrial Technology Assistance Corporation (ITAC)
ITAC assists manufacturers to become more competitive, helps firms to commercialize new technologies and creates profitable partnerships between designers and manufacturers.

New York Biotechnology Association (NYBA)
NYBA helps existing biotechnology and biomedical companies grow, while helping to create the conditions for new companies to form.

New York Production Alliance (NYPA)
NYPA helps to maintain, increase and expedite film and video production in New York City and State.

New York Software Industry Association (NYSIA)
NYSIA is a trade association for metropolitan New York area software and information technology companies.

IndustryScoop
This free, concise e-mail newsletter delivers the latest information on emerging Internet trends, local and national events, products, tools and services to Internet pioneers and leaders.

AlleyEvent.com
Site offers free access to a comprehensive list of events, meetings, seminars, conferences, trade shows and other networking opportunities targeted toward NYC's Silicon Alley entrepreneurs and professionals.

Let's Talk Business Network (LTBN)
LTBN is an entrepreneurial support community for business owners and decision-makers.

New York eCommerce Association
A non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting the electronic commerce industry in New York and to providing a forum for organizations involved in emerging technologies.

Food Industry Jobs.com
Career links for those seeking jobs in the food industry.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
The Association's mission is to represent, educate and promote a rapidly growing industry that currently employs 11 million people.

MSN Career Search- Food Service
Food Service Jobs in the New York area.

SignIndustry.com
Resources for those in the sign industry.

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DISABILITY SITES / LINKS

General Information

Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act-ADA (www.dol.gov/odep) Adopted in July of 1992, the ADA Act provides people with disabilities civil rights similar to those now available on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, services rendered by state and local governments, places of accommodation, transportation and telecommunication services. The Office of Disability Employment Policy offers brochures and publications on the ADA rules and regulations. Alternative formats are available.

Advocacy

Half the Planet Foundation
Half the Planet Foundation (www.halftheplanet.com) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of being the authoritative online living for the disability community. The organization provides up to date information on useful products and services important to people with disabilities and their families. They also form productive alliances with qualified manufacturers, businesses, disability-related organizations and government agencies

SATIRN III
SATIRN III (advoc4disabled.state.ny.us) is a computer software program and database that contains information on programs and services for people with disabilities, their families and the general public. The NYS Office of Advocate for Persons with Disabilities developed and copyrighted the system so that staff could more efficiently and effectively answer the wide range of questions.

The National Center for Disability Services-NCDS
The National Center for Disability Services-NCDS (www.ncds.org) is a non-profit agency dedicated to the empowerment of disabled individuals to be active and independent members of society. NCDS promotes self-sufficiency through numerous forums and programs including education, training research and leadership. Additionally, the organization showcases the state-of-the-art assistive technology at the Korneich Technology Center and research and training at the Research and Training Institute.

The Public Advocate
The Public Advocate (www.pubadvocate.nyc.gov) The office of the Public Advocate is an independently elected citi-wide official, next in line to the Mayor. The omsbudsperson is the advocate and voice for the public as regards city government. The offices of the Public Advocate investigate the effectiveness of the City’s agencies and programs, provides solutions for a more efficient government and helps local communities obtain greater access to government. Additionally, the office of the Public Advocate monitors the city public information and education system.

The World Institute on Disability
The World Institute on Disability (WID) (www.wid.org)
Is a not for profit public policy center, whose mission is to promote independence and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. The organization develops models of affordable accommodation, which includes personal assistance, adaptive technology and flexible work scheduling.

WeMedia.Inc
WeMedia.Inc (www.wemedia.com) is a communication company focusing on advocacy issues for people with disabilities. The company is committed to providing increased access to information on specific issues that are beneficial to this special group of people, as well as their families and caregivers. WeMedia, Inc. offers WE magazine, a publication which addresses innovative approaches to cross-disability issues. Additionally, the company has developed a comprehensive online resource, which provides information on products and services targeted to disabled individuals. WeMedia, Inc. expansion includes the development of corporate and community partnerships programs with some 65 partners.

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Assistive Devices

ABLEDATA
ABLEDATA (www.abledata.com) Sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the US Department of Education, AbleData provides information on domestic and international assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment for disabled consumers. The database contains information on more than 29,000 assistive products.

National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project
National Assistive Technology Advocacy Project (www.nls.org/natmain.htm) Operated by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. This federally funded project supports the advocacy efforts of persons with disabilities and their families, attorneys, advocates, service agencies, etc. As they seek funding for AT services and devices. It’s web site also includes a series of booklets on funding assistive technology and they publish a newsletter entitled the AT Advocate.

T.R.I.A.D.
T.R.I.A.D. Project (www.advoc4disabled.state.ny.us) is a state wide equipment exchange program/service, which provides access for individuals with disabilities, to search for an affordable means to acquire needed devices from sources, which have devices to sell or donate. TRIAD participants advertise (at no cost), through a database, which contains both needed and available listings.

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Employment / Training

Abilities, Inc.
Abilities, Inc. (abilitiesinc.org) are a division of the National Center for Disability Services. Through the Edwin W. Martin, Jr. Career and Employment Institute (CEI), the organization provides comprehensive services to assist individuals with a disability attain employment. Utilizing the tools of evaluation, training and placement services, CEI places some 1500 adults with disabilities each year.

ABLE to Work
ABLE to Work (www.abletowork.org) is a consortium of business leaders, whose goal is to facilitate a change of attitude and awareness about the fundamental capability of individuals with a disability. The project is managed by the National Business and Disability Council, a leading corporate resource for the successful integration of disabled people into the workforce and consumer marketplace.

ACCESS
ACCESS (www.accessnw.org) is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to provide opportunities for disabled individuals to obtain information and employment through education, referrals, etc. Located in Seattle, ACCESS holds an annual job fair and is recognized as a national model by the President’s Committee on Employment with a Disability.

America’s Career InfoNet (ACINet.org) the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
America’s Career InfoNet (www.acinet.org) the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) sponsored the development of America’s Career Kit through a grant funded programs to the States. The mission of the initiative is to provide leadership in the development of national policy related to programs and services under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that impact individuals with disabilities. Each products offers solutions to the overwhelming demands of today’s labor market from the perspective of the job seeker, the employer training and education community.

Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
Goodwill Industries International, Inc. (www.goodwill.org) for the last 100 years, Goodwill Industries has worked with individuals to prepare them for the workforce. They provide skills assessments, development and short term/long term training options in the areas of office skills in various industries. They also provide support services in job readiness and placement.

Job Access_Ability
Job Access_Ability (www.jobaccess.org.) is a non-profit organization that works with private companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Job Access’ mission is to provide a dedicated system for disabled individuals to obtain employment. Employers who post positions on the Job Access site demonstrate a true open door policy.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (www.jan.wvu.edu) is a comprehensive resource for available employment opportunities. JAN works with employers interested in hiring and retaining qualified employees with a disability and reducing workers compensation and insurance cost, etc. Additionally, they assist individuals to obtain current legislative information relevant to disability forums.

National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials
National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (www.nchrtm.okstate.edu) provides a large collection disability related training resources. Its collection includes a variety of materials from rehabilitation practitioners in state, federal and private agencies, nationwide. Additionally, the NCRTM provides references and research services.

PASS
PASS (pass.htm) is a SSI work incentive program, whereby disabled individuals are able to save income and/or resources, which will be utilized to achieve specific work goals. A PASS can be created to cover the expense of obtaining a college education; vocational training, starting a business or purchasing support services, which would enable an individual to work. More importantly, they may receive higher SSI payments as they work towards self-sufficiency.

Project Hired
Project Hired (www.projecthired.org) the mission of Project Hired is “meet the hiring needs of employers and the employment needs of people with disabilities”. This organization, a recipient of many service awards, offers a range of services to communities, which includes outreach, employment training, job placement and advocacy. Project Hired can also be considered an example of having a well-received Corporate Training Partners Initiative.

Social Security Administration-Office of Employment Services
Social Security Administration-Office of Employment Services (www.ssa.gov) was developed to create opportunities for disabled individuals, which they serve. The various programs are developing and implementing policies that encourage employment and are committed to partnering with other public and private organizations to remove barriers that make the employment world so difficult for those individuals with a disability. Included in the support programs are the “Ticket to Work” incentive and the Benefits Planning, Assistance and Out reach Cooperative Agreement.

The National Business & Disability Council
The National Business & Disability Council (www.mbdc.com) The NBDC is a major resource for employers intent on integrating people with disabilities into their workplace. The goal of NBDC is to assist businesses to create accessible work conditions for employees. They provide training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other issues related to employing and serving people with disabilities, as well as, creating a barrier free environment for them.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy-ODEP
The Office of Disability Employment Policy-ODEP (www.dol.gov) through the US Department of Labor, this new office is providing national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with a disability. ODEP is also working to eliminate barriers to employment by supporting the creation of expanded work options and the promotion of increased economic opportunities.

The Workforce Recruitment Plan_WRP Project
The Workforce Recruitment Plan_WRP Project (WRPproject/comingsoon.htm) The WRT program recruits qualified college students with disabilities and provides student profiles to national employers to hire these students for summer internships and long-term employment. Additionally, WRP offers disability awareness training sessions for employers and provide a database CD-ROM of potential employees for the companies.

VESID
VESID (www.nysed.gov)- the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities - is a part of the NYS Education Department. The agency was developed to assist people with disabilities, who are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to obtain suitable employment. VESID helps to prepare individuals for employment through education and training, assistance and referrals.

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Entrepreneurship

The Abilities Fund
The Abilities Fund (ww.abilitiesfund.org) is a nationwide community development organization, whose mission is to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for Americans with disabilities. The organization utilizes a combination of financial products, technical assistance and counseling to individuals with disabilities as well as those who support the disabled.
The Abilities Fund assist in strengthening the existing nationwide network of microenterprises development organizations as well as disability focused non-profits.

The Small Business Self-Employment Service
The Small Business Self-Employment Service (www.dol.gov/odep/program/abses) is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, whose goal is to promote small business ownership as a career option for disabled individuals. The SBSES provides comprehensive information , counseling and referrals on self-employment and small business opportunities for people with a disability. They provide important information and links to entrepreneurial sites, including the SBA and state vocational rehabilitation programs. Additionally, they provide relevant information on a variety of other technical assistance resources which are necessary in creating and operating a successful business.

The Veterans Business Outreach Program
The Veterans Business Outreach Program (www.nyssbdc.org) Sponsored by the Small Business Administration, Office of Veterans Business Development Center. The program assists veterans and service disabled veterans target business training and counseling in order to develop and/or grow a small business. The VBOC’s business advisors can help you identify potential sources of business funding, as well as, assistance with the various obstacles encountered when establishing a successful business.

The U.S. Small Business Administration-8A Programs
The U.S. Small Business Administration-8A Programs (www.sba.gov/8abd) The SBA 8ABD and Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Programs provides the necessary technical assistance for small business entrepreneurs to become certified for federal procurement opportunities, gaining entrance into the government contract business and the potential of becoming eligible for sole-source government contracts. The program was established to provide business opportunities specifically for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals due to race, ethnicity, gender physical handicapped, or residence. Additionally, participants can take advantage of specialized business training, marketing assistance, counseling and may be eligible for SBA guaranteed loans.

U.S. Business Advisor
U.S. Business Advisor (www.business.gov) Created by the Small Business Administration utilizes a one-stop electronic link, which offers up to date information on the sixty different federal organizations, which provide regulations and services to the business community. The U.S. Business Advisor site is user-friendly and provides access to pertinent information and links relevant to business development.

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DisabilityWorld
DisabilityWorld (www.disabilityworld.org) is an Internet WEB magazine, which is dedicated to promoting research and information regarding the international independent living movement of people with a disability. The Internet magazine is an essential component of the IDEAS project, headed up by the World Institute on Disability.

Idealist
Idealist (idealist.org/firsttime.html) A project created by the organization entitled “Action Without Borders”, provides current information on some 27,000 non-profit and community organizations in some 153 countries. It is considered one of the best non-profit career centers on the WEB. It offers opportunities, internships, events and resources by these worldwide organizations.

National Library Service
National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (www.loc.gov/nls) The program offers a free reading program for the blind and physically handicapped. It offers books/magazines/special playback equipment in Braille or recorded format. The material can be secured on a loan basis from the Library of Congress. Individuals, who are medically certified as unable to hold a book or read ordinary print, can borrow and return materials postage free.

New Freedom Initiative: Disability Direct
New Freedom Initiative: Disability Direct (www.disabilityinfo.gov) The Office of Disability Employment Policy has created a new site “disabilityinfo.gov.” which provides resources, services and information available throughout the federal government. Through the use of information technology, it is the goal of the current administration to offer one stop online access to all government services available to those individuals in our society who are disabled.

Social Security Handbook
Social Security Handbook (www.ssa.gov. /OP_Home/handbook_HTML) This handbook is one of many publications offered by the Social Security Administration. It describes each of the Social Security programs and services in an easy to understand format. The resource material is now organized in question and answers mode. It also includes the provisions of the recently amended Social Security Act.

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Health Issues

Healthfinder
Healthfinder (healthfinder.gov) provides a free service for obtaining reliable information on consumer health and human services. Healthfinder was developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with various Federal agencies and a group of representatives from health related fields. Each of the organizations is actively involved in the provision and/or use of online consumer health information. The website is linked to selected online publications, databases, various websites, government and non-profit agencies that produce reliable and up to date information on health related issues.

MEDWEB
MEDWEB (www.medweb.emory.edu) is a catalog of health-related and biomedical research web sites maintained by the staff of the Robert W. Woodruff Health Science Library at Emory University. Areas of interest include; consumer health, diseases and conditions, publications, specialties, healthcare, mental health, etc. Each included site must meet requirements regarding relevance of health related issues and be a credible resource for pertinent and current information.

The American Medical Association
The American Medical Association ( www.ama-assn.org) The AMA is a long standing organization, which disseminates up-to-date information on health and medical practices to physicians and the public at large. Additionally, the AMA now utilizes Internet technology to provide relevant information on medical ethics, practice and educational subjects to physicians. The organization also provides the public with current information on advocacy activities for physicians and their patients.

The Health & Human Service Administration
The Health & Human Service Administration (www.hrsa.gov) The mission of the HHSA
is to improve the quality of healthcare nationally and to provide access to those individuals in need. It is the agency goal to assure the availability of quality healthcare and eliminate barriers to caring for low-income people, those without insurance and to those with special needs. A point of interest in their numerous programs is HHSA’s recent establishment of the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (OAT). The program will serve as a focus for the wider implementation of healthcare services and education. Telehealth is defined as the use of electronic information and telecommunication technology to support long distance clinical healthcare, patient and professional health related education and administration.

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Statistical Data/Research

Disability Statistics Center
Disability Statistics Center (www.dsc.ucsf.edu) is a national center of research and training in disability statistics. The Center conducts ongoing research projects on various aspects of disability; including employment and earnings, housing, the cost of disability, health and long term care services and mortality. In addition, the Center monitors indicators of change over time in the areas of health, housing economic and social needs. The Center also maintains an archive and operates an information service to assist users seeking information on specific statistical documentation.

National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR)
National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) (www. ncddr.org) is a program managed by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. The project, funded under the US Department of Employment, is to gather, maintain and disseminate pertinent, high level research for all the various aspects of disability. Additionally, the project research focuses on the impacts on disability service delivery and the disabled person complete functioning within a diverse environmental, cultural and social context.

The Global Applied Disability Research and Information (GLADNET)
The Global Applied Disability Research and Information (www.GLADNET.org) is an initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The initiative was developed to bring together all organizations, services, government departments, research centers, trade unions, etc. which are committed to advancing the training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The mission of the organization is to positively impact on disability and program reform, specifically in the area of integrated employment.

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Technology

GSA’s Center for IT Accommodation
GSA’s Center for IT Accommodation (www.gsa.gov) is the federal government’s principle advocate and coordinator for making technology accessible for people with disabilities. The mission of GSA is to provide the complete governmental resources and policies on the accessibility of electronic and information technology, as well as in the use of assistive devices.

WorkWorld
WorkWorld (www.workworld.org) is an innovative software for personal computers to help individuals with disabilities, organization’s benefits counselors and disability advocates and others research and understand the work incentives associated with the federal and state disability and poverty programs. Through an automated system, computation of benefits program individual income and work incentives compute automatically.

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