New ‘S.T.E.P.’ program empowers Imperial Valley residents with disabilities to become their own bosses
Lynette Niebla
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Valley is breaking down traditional employment barriers, helping individuals with disabilities achieve self-determination through entrepreneurship.
“Access to Thrive,” a local non-profit organization, recently celebrated the inaugural graduation of its S.T.E.P. (Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Pathways) program, marking a major milestone for inclusive business development in the region.
The first-ever graduating class consisted of 25 passionate individuals from across Imperial County. The cohort brought together individuals with disabilities, full-time caregivers and local community visionaries.
Over three months, the intensive program guided participants from initial concepts to formal business launches.
To set the new entrepreneurs up for long-term success, Access to Thrive provided each student with a free, brand-new laptop, operational artificial intelligence (AI) training, and essential business development tools.
Beyond that, the program set itself apart by offering comprehensive mental health and emotional support.
A dedicated psychologist worked alongside the students to help navigate the emotional toll of both systemic barriers and the anxiety of starting a business.
S.T.E.P. Program Director Ashley Contreras witnessed a dramatic shift in the participants over the course of the training.
“From day one when the students came in, a lot of them were depressed, lost, and unsure if they wanted to do this or not,” Contreras said. “At the end, it was just a complete 360. Everyone was motivated, dreaming, and feeling capable of accomplishing and starting a business.”
The impact of the program is already hitting the local market. Armed with legal business registrations and concrete operational plans, the graduates have officially launched a wide variety of localized ventures, including businesses in gardening, fashion design, and cosmetology.
Due to the overwhelming success of the first session, organizers say plans are already well underway for future S.T.E.P. cohorts.