The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) is committed to empowering blind entrepreneurs, Business Enterprise Program (BEP) vendors, and individuals pursuing self-employment. Below is a comprehensive collection of resources designed to help you build your business, stay informed, and connect with supportive networks across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Most Practical Resources
These resources provide direct support for starting and growing your business:
- Business Enterprise Program (BEP) – Learn about the Randolph-Sheppard Act, which gives blind individuals priority to operate vending facilities on federal property. BBVS provides training, licensing, and guidance to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and expand their vending operations in Pennsylvania.
- National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) – Connect with a national organization advocating for BEP vendors and blind entrepreneurs. NABM offers networking, training opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and educational resources for both new and experienced business owners.
- NFB Blind Owned & Operated Marketplace (BOOM) – Promote your business or browse products and services offered by blind entrepreneurs nationwide. BOOM connects entrepreneurs with customers, providing exposure, marketing opportunities, and increased visibility.
Training & Development
These programs help build leadership, business skills, and confidence:
- NABM BLAST Program – Equips both new and experienced blind entrepreneurs with essential business and leadership skills. BLAST focuses on professional development, problem-solving, and strategies for long-term business success.
- Hadley – Take free online courses covering entrepreneurship, business management, technology, and daily living strategies.
- SCORE – Connect with experienced mentors and attend free workshops through the nonprofit network of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- LinkedIn Learning – Explore a wide range of professional development courses, including entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, and leadership skills.
- Coursera for Business – Online courses from top universities covering business strategy, finance, management, and marketing.
Business & Financial Tools
Resources for planning, funding, and managing your business effectively:
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Federal programs and resources to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses.
- Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – Free consulting and low-cost training for all stages of business development.
- IRS Small Business Tax Center – Guidance on taxes, recordkeeping, compliance, and filing responsibilities.
- Grants.gov – Search for federal funding opportunities and grants, including programs for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
- Foundation Center / Candid – Research private grants and funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs and nonprofit ventures.
- PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Small Business Programs – Explore state-level support, funding, and technical assistance for Pennsylvania small business owners.
Advocacy & Support
Organizations providing networking, mentorship, and advocacy for blind entrepreneurs:
- National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – Leadership training, advocacy programs, and mentorship opportunities.
- National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFB of PA) – State affiliate providing events, workshops, mentorship, and leadership development.
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – Connect with a global network of business owners to share resources, strategies, and mentorship.
- Disability:IN – Business network focused on inclusive entrepreneurship and disability employment programs.
Marketing & Promotion Resources
Support to grow your customer base and visibility:
- Google for Small Business – Tools and guidance for online promotion, search visibility, and digital marketing.
- Meta for Business – Social media marketing strategies to connect with customers.
- Canva for Business – Create professional marketing materials, social media graphics, and promotional content.
Accessibility & Technology Resources
Tools and services to improve accessibility and independence:
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – Guidance on workplace accommodations and adaptive solutions.
- National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled – Access business and entrepreneurship materials in braille, audio, and large print.
- Be My Eyes – Connect with volunteers for real-time assistance in daily business operations.
- AIRA – Provides blind and low-vision individuals with live, on-demand visual assistance through trained agents via smartphone or smart glasses, helping entrepreneurs navigate tasks such as inventory, product displays, and accessibility troubleshooting.
- Vispero – Parent organization of Freedom Scientific, AI Squared, Enhanced Vision, Optelec, and TPGi, offering leading assistive technology and accessibility solutions. They distribute JAWS for Windows, ZoomText, and Fusion, plus a range of blind and low-vision hardware including video magnifiers, braille displays, and text-to-speech tools, backed by global services and consulting.