Business Opportunity Fund for people with disabilities

Latvia

Association of people with disabilities and their friends “Apeirons”

Valdemara street 38 k.1 RIGA, LV - 1010, LATVIJA Phone / Fax: (371) 67299277 E-mail info@apeirons.lv www.apeirons.lv

NGO

Business opportunity fund provides support to the people with disabilities to start business activities. They receive consultations, obtain options to improve their knowledge or to acquire knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship, as well as receive financial support. Business incubator is functioning at the premises of Apeirons.

Usually projects aimed at the integration urge people with disabilities to become employee rather then to become an employer themselves. Business Opportunity Fund (BOF) is targeted to facilitate that people with disabilities establish their own businesses. Until now in Latvia there has not been a functioning Business Incubator for people with disabilities.

During the first year of operation Business Opportunities Fund has examined more than 13 business ideas. The Fund foresees that people, who receive the aid, further will support those who would like to launch their own business, thus ensuring the sustainability of the Business opportunity fund.

Good references have been received from people involved in the project activities. People admit that with their own forces wouldn't achieve what they have achieved now.

Information about the fund is being disseminated via website of the organisation, publications in business and daily media. Direct e-mail alerts are sent to people with disabilities and their organisations.

Formal education gives usually only knowledge, it does not provide support activities, like expert consultations, encouragement, financial support, resources, that are necessary to start business.

Business opportunity fund, business incubator for people with disabilities, Apeirons