During a luncheon in downtown Syracuse June 1, Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney met with entrepreneurs with disabilities who have launched local businesses through the Start-Up NY/Inclusive Entrepreneurship program. The discussion was held at Tacolicious, an eatery owned by Della Brown, a participant of the program.

Mahoney says the program is a perfect example of Syracuse University’s notion of Scholarship in Action—reaching beyond the campus to create a positive impact in the community. More photos

Start-Up NY/Inclusive Entrepreneurship is an innovative, first-of-its kind program developed by the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University. In partnership with Onondaga County and the Whitman School of Management, the program has assisted more than 200 Central New Yorkers with disabilities in the creation of more than 60 new businesses.

Entrepreneurs with disabilities spoke about their rewarding experiences in Start-Up NY/Inclusive Entrepreneurship program, housed at the South Side Innovation Center (SSIC).  The program’s leaders—–BBI’s Gary Shaheen, the Whitman School’s Mirza Tihic, and SSIC Director Bob Herz—also discussed the extraordinary success of Start-Up NY/Inclusive Entrepreneurship.

To learn more, visit https://bbi.syr.edu/startupny