Peer Support & Mentoring Service

Connect people with disabilities to peer support and mentors

Startup Cost
$30,000-$120,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
15-24 months
Profit Potential
$12,000-$50,000/month

Overview

Peer support programs generate $150,000-$600,000 annually through grants and contracts.

In 2025, peer support proven effective for disability community.

Services include peer support matching and coordination, support groups facilitation, one-on-one peer mentoring, transition and life stage support, parent-to-parent support programs, and peer-led education.

Successful programs employ people with disabilities as peers, provide training and supervision, promote self-determination, build community connections, and demonstrate effectiveness.

State agencies and nonprofits as funders.

Marketing through disability services, mental health, healthcare, and grant funding.

Required Skills

  • Peer Support
  • Program Development
  • Staff Training/Supervision
  • Disability Community
  • Group Facilitation
  • Grant Writing

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Peer support evidence-based effective
  • Employs people with disabilities
  • Grant and contract funding available
  • Builds community and hope
  • Growing peer support movement

Cons

  • Dependent on grant funding
  • Training and supporting peer staff
  • Proving outcomes for funders
  • Staff retention challenges
  • Competition for limited grants

How to Get Started

  1. Develop peer support program model
  2. Recruit and train peer support staff
  3. Apply for state and foundation grants
  4. Contract with disability services
  5. Match peers to people needing support
  6. Facilitate support groups
  7. Build community and promote self-determination

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