S.T.E.P. helps disabled people become business owners

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - A new program called S.T.E.P., which stands for Skills, Training, and Entrepreneurial Pathways, launched in Imperial County.

The program is the brain child of Access To Thrive's CEO Ashley Contreras. She said the idea came to her following her car accident, which left her in a wheelchair.

"The inspiration of STEP came from my own experience. I was a business owner before my car accident before becoming disabled. And after that happened, I understood that the disability was not the barrier," Contreras explained in an interview with KYMA.

She said often times, people with disabilities, whether physical or mental, don't always fit into a typical nine-to-five employment model.

The 12-week free course offers everything from training to help with licensing fees.

With just 20 spots open for the program, Contreras and her team received dozens of applications, which they are now reviewing.

"We're still receiving applications. The program is officially going to launch on April 7th," Contreras said.

To apply, click here.