Did you know that many local and state governments provide incentives and resources to small businesses to meet their workforce needs with talent with disabilities? These incentives and resources help the business hire and retain workers with disabilities. Local and state governments offer various supports, such as tax incentives or reimbursement for the cost of workplace accommodations. Many small businesses can benefit from these – and similar support may exist in your area.

In this webinar, learn about innovative state and local programs that help small businesses tap into a talented and diverse workforce and promote inclusivity with minimal cost. Experts from Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the City of Tacoma, Washington Department of Finance will offer participants the reasons to and guidance on developing and implementing such a program. The benefits of these programs will also be discussed.

During this webinar, participants will learn more about:
– A local program providing tax incentives for supporting small businesses to meet their workforce needs with talent with disabilities
– A state government-funded program that provides financial assistance to employers to cover accommodations for disabled employees
– Ways to build mutually beneficial relationships between small business, community organizations, and state and local governments

ASL and real-time captioning will be provided.

Speakers:

• Ray McCoy, Program Coordinator, Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF), State of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Kris Oldenburg, Audit and Compliance Manager, Finance Department, Tax & License Division, City of Tacoma, Washington
• Nikki Powis, Director, Small Business Programs, National Disability Institute (NDI)