ITI CIRCLE

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APPLICATIONS DUE MONDAY 8/31/26 at NOON EST

Please read the details below before starting your application. Link to application at the bottom of the page.

MONDAY 8/17 – Applications open
MONDAY 8/31 – Applications DUE at 12pm noon EST
WEDNESDAY 9/9 – Accepted applicants will receive email (CHECK SPAM FOLDER! Must confirm participation by MONDAY 9/14)
THURSDAY 9/10 – Rejected and waitlisted applicants will receive email
WEDNESDAY 9/30 – Classes begin!

Who is a good fit for ITI CIRCLE?

  • Ohio resident
  • 18+ years old
  • Identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability
  • At least 6th grade-level comprehension for reading and math
  • Excited to find or polish a business idea
  • Excited to learn practical entrepreneurship skills
  • Able to focus for 2-hour block with breaks

How much does it cost?

It’s free!

How many people will you accept for this cohort?

There will be 25 participants total and any of their support people

When will I find out if I’m accepted or not?

We will email you your result by Thursday, 9/10/26.

Application Questions

These are the main questions we will be scoring:

  1. Why do you want to work for yourself? You might share something you’ve tried, a problem that bothers you, something you’re good at, or just a feeling you have about being your own boss. There’s no right answer. We just want to learn more about you in your own words.
    • Options include: short video of you talking, spelling, or using AAC; voice recording, written or visual essay, or other substantive communication
  2. Do you have any business ideas that you think could solve a problem, fill a gap or make life easier for others?
    • If so, describe briefly. (not required to be accepted!)
  3. How can we support your success in this program?
    • Some examples include: captioning for virtual meeting; extra processing time, etc.
  4. If you receive any government or disability benefits, could you tell us which ones?
    • That will ensure we recruit the right experts to help participants with benefits planning.
  5. What do you need most help with?
    • Examples include: coming up with a business idea, figuring out how to turn your idea into a business, following through on your ideas and plans, etc.

We will also ask some basic questions about you (age, county that you live in, I/DD identity) to make sure you’re eligible to join and to understand more about our group. You will not be scored on those questions.

APPLICATIONS DUE MONDAY 8/31/26 at 12pm EST

Start Application