(This was first published in the Herald newspaper chain.)
Our economy thrives on the spirit of entrepreneurship—new businesses solve problems, create jobs, and contribute tax revenue. States like New York recognize this, offering programs and funding to support startups. But an essential segment is being overlooked: people with disabilities. It’s time New York State extends its support to include businesses owned by people with disabilities.
Entrepreneurship: A Lifeline for People with Differing Abilities
Entrepreneurship can be life-changing—not just for individual business owners but also for their employees, families, and communities. My son, John Cronin, is a prime example.
When John entered his final year at Huntington High School, he was excited to join the workforce. Yet, he quickly found that traditional paths weren’t available to him. John has Down syndrome, and like many people with disabilities, he faced an unacceptable reality: only one in five adults with a disability is employed.
Yet John is a natural entrepreneur. If he couldn’t find the right job, he’d create his own. So, he came to me with an idea: he wanted to start a business together. This was the spark that led to John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise that has since grown into a seven-figure business and the world’s largest sock store.
Look at the impact John‘s entrepreneurism has had: we’ve created 34 jobs, and 22 of those are held by people with differing abilities. Through our Giving Back program, we’ve donated over $800,000 to organizations like Special Olympics New York, the National Down Syndrome Society, and North Shore Animal League America. Over 3,000 students and social service clients have toured our operation, finding inspiration in John’s story. And we’ve seen other entrepreneurs with differing abilities take courage and follow John’s path.
John’s story shows that entrepreneurship isn’t just an option; it’s an essential alternative for people with disabilities. When given the opportunity, they contribute, uplift others, and bring positive change to our communities.
Promoting Inclusive Entrepreneurship in New York
By supporting entrepreneurship for people with disabilities, New York has an opportunity to address one of the highest unemployment rates among any group. It’s not just good policy; it’s good business. A 2018 Accenture report found that companies leading in disability inclusion perform 28 percent better financially than their peers. People with differing abilities represent an extraordinary, untapped talent pool, ready to work and contribute.
To unlock this potential, New York can take five specific steps:
- Certification for Disability-Owned Businesses: New York State already certifies businesses owned by women and veterans, which provides these businesses with crucial visibility and access to state resources. Establishing a similar certification for disability-owned businesses would send a powerful message and create essential opportunities for these businesses.
- Set-Asides for Disability-Owned Businesses: New York has created procurement set-asides in state contracts for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Extending this to include disability-owned businesses would ensure they have a fair chance to secure state contracts and grow their businesses.
- Expand NYSID Programs to Include For-Profits: The New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) generates millions in wages for people with disabilities through nonprofit partners. But this outdated restriction excludes for-profit businesses, perpetuating the false impression that only nonprofits would employ people with disabilities. Why exclude businesses owned by people with a disability? By including for-profit disability-owned businesses, we could unlock even greater economic potential.
- Technical Support for Startups: The state offers technical support through various programs—coordinating these resources for disability-owned startups would level the playing field for entrepreneurs like John.
- Startup Grants: New York provides millions in grants to encourage new businesses. Some of these funds should be earmarked specifically for startups owned by people with disabilities.
A Future of Inclusive Growth
People with differing abilities are a vast, often-overlooked resource. They are ready, able, and willing to contribute to our economy, bringing diverse perspectives, talents, and innovations. Yet, structural barriers have kept many from reaching their full potential.
John’s Crazy Socks has proven that when people with disabilities start businesses, they don’t just create jobs—they inspire others, spark change, and strengthen their communities. New York State has both the resources and the responsibility to foster this kind of inclusive growth.
Let’s build an economy that works for everyone. By embracing entrepreneurship for people with differing abilities, New York can show the nation what’s possible when opportunity is available to all.
