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Self-Employment & Disability Resources

State and federal resources relevant to funding/supporting a solo, bootstrapped LLC startup.

Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (KYOVR) — Self-Employment Services

See full details in Tax Notes. Can fund startup equipment and business plan development for Kentucky residents with disabilities pursuing self-employment, including Autism Spectrum Disorder specifically (served through the Perkins Center programs).

  • Coordinator: Betty Whitaker — 502-782-3435
  • Central office: 502-564-4440
  • Note: Order of Selection in effect since May 2025 — call to check current intake status before assuming availability.

Other Kentucky small-business resources (not yet vetted)

Resource What it covers
LiftFund Kentucky Small business loans, Lexington & Richmond, KY
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Fixed-rate loans for equipment/facility projects
Kentucky Assistive Technology program Device/equipment requests, can be initiated by the individual

To research further

  • [ ] SBA resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities (national level, separate from KY state programs)
  • [ ] Whether any of the above stack with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub or are mutually exclusive