🧭 Employer Resource Navigator

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal tax credit of $2,400 to $9,600 per qualified hire from targeted groups: veterans, TANF/SNAP recipients, ex-felons, vocational rehabilitation referrals, empowerment zone residents, and others.

How to start: IRS Form 8850 completed ON or BEFORE job offer date. Submit Form 8850 + DOL ETA Form 9061 to state workforce agency within 28 days of hire s

DWD/IRS Federal Official page →

Invest Ability

IHC’s disability workforce program connecting employers with qualified candidates with disabilities. Partners with VR, Federal Bonding, and WOTC for comprehensive inclusive hiring support.

How to start: Contact Invest Hamilton County: investhamiltoncounty.com

IHC Local Official page →

Re-Entry Workforce Initiative — Justice-Involved + Recovery Hiring

IHC's flagship re-entry program connecting Hamilton County employers with workforce-ready candidates exiting jail, in substance-use recovery, or under Community Corrections supervision. Funded by Hamilton County Commissioners + Council. Includes intake screening, employer placement support, recovery-friendly workplace certification path.

What you get: No employer fee. Stacks with WOTC + Federal Bonding Program for risk mitigation.

How to start: Email IHC Business Services to start: info@investhamiltoncounty.com

IHC Local Official page →

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) — Free Disability Accommodation Help

Federally-funded free consultation service for employers navigating ADA accommodations, accessible job design, or disability-inclusive hiring. Confidential phone/email/chat advice. The single best free resource for any employer hiring or accommodating people with disabilities.

What you get: Completely free. Federally funded by USDOL Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

How to start: Call 1-800-526-7234 or visit askjan.org

USDOL/ODEP Federal Official page →

Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — Disability Hiring Partnership

Indiana state VR provides FREE candidate sourcing, job-coaching, on-site support, and post-placement follow-up for employers hiring people with disabilities. ~95% of VR candidates have completed assessment + skills evaluation. Reduces hiring risk + WOTC-eligible.

What you get: Free. Stack with WOTC ($1,200 vocational rehab target group + potential disability-veteran categories up to $9,600).

How to start: Visit in.gov/fssa/ddrs/vr/ → Employer Services. Or call Indianapolis VR district office.

FSSA/VR State Official page →

SBA Learning Platform — Free Online Business Courses

The U.S. Small Business Administration's free 24/7 online learning platform offers 30+ self-paced courses covering hiring your first employee, employment law basics, marketing, financial management, cash flow, business planning, customer service, and pricing. Includes specialty tracks like Boots to Business (veterans), Ascent (women-owned), and T.H.R.I.V.E. (emerging leaders). Courses average 30 minutes each with downloadable worksheets. No employer size limit and no cost.

How to start: Go to sba.gov/sba-learning-platform, create a free account, select a course, complete at your own pace. Certificates of completion available

SBA Federal Official page →