I know that if you have a small business you are supposed to be able to apply each year for start up funds. These funds can be for show space, cloths, grooming etc. Also if you do start a small business that ODSP are helping with through employment supports, if you sell $800 worth of product, you can then get a grant of $1500 for your business.
However the $500 business start up fund is to the discretion of your worker and if you have a difficult one, they will reject the request as they did with me this year. I have had it in past years though.
Without going into too much detail I wanted to comment on the anonymous contributors statement regarding a recurring yearly business start-up funding of $800.oo. I am presently on ODSP and am working towards starting my own business and know that there is much more funding and assistance available than $800.00 per annum.
If you check the Ontario Disability Supports Program you will find that there is funding available for training, equipment. supplies etc.
In addition you can receive assistance to develop a business plan and there is also a mentoring program.
I am just beginning the process tnrough this program and those few things that I mentioned are some of kinds of assistance that you may qualify for - if this program is like many other assistance programs I'm quite sure, that if one digs deeper, you will find that there will also be areas of assistance available that they don't advertise, you need to do your homework is this regard.
If you are serious about getting your own business going and qualify it appears that this is one area that there is a fair amount of help available - of course, as with any other program of this nature, you have to play by their rules and have a fairly high tolerance for frustration -not completely unlike doing it on your own.
I believe from the research that I have done so far that, for someone who is receiving disablility benefits, it is an excellent opportunity to get a business up and running while still having an income to survive on and that is something that is a real bonus.
You can get the application package for the Disability Supports Program from you local ODSP office. Good luck to anyone who is trying to achieve their goal of starting their own business.
sglane53
May 22, 2010 Rating
business start up by: Anonymous
You must sell the $800 as profit after your costs are taken off