Mark Cronin: N.Y. needs to make entrepreneurship an option for all

Our economy thrives on the spirit of entrepreneurship — new businesses solve problems, create jobs and contribute tax revenue. States like New York recognize this, offering programs and funding to support startups. But an essential segment of our population is being overlooked: people with disabilities. It’s time New York state extends its support to include businesses owned by people with disabilities.
Entrepreneurship can be a lifeline for those with differing abilities. It can be life-changing — not just for business owners, but also for their employees, families and communities. My son, John Cronin, is a prime example.

When John entered his final year at Huntington High School, he was excited about joining the workforce. Yet he quickly found that traditional paths weren’t available to him. John has Down syndrome, and like many people with disabilities, he faced an unacceptable reality: Only one in five adults with a disability is employed.

But John is a natural entrepreneur. If he couldn’t find the right job, he’d create his own. So he came to me with an idea: He wanted to start a business together. That was the spark that led to John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise that has since grown into a seven-figure business and the world’s largest sock store.

Consider the impact John’s entrepreneurism has had. We’ve created 34 jobs, and 22 of them are held by people with differing abilities. Through our Giving Back program, we’ve donated over $800,000 to organizations like Special Olympics New York, the National Down Syndrome Society, and North Shore Animal League America. Over 3,000 students and social service clients have toured our operation, finding inspiration in John’s story. And we’ve seen other entrepreneurs with differing abilities courageously follow his path.

John’s story shows that entrepreneurship isn’t just an option; it’s an essential alternative for people with disabilities. When given the opportunity, they contribute, uplift others, and bring positive change to our communities.

By supporting entrepreneurship for people with differing abilities, New York has an opportunity to address one of the highest unemployment rates among any group. It’s not just good policy; it’s good business. A 2018 Accenture report found that companies leading in disability inclusion perform 28 percent better financially than their peers. People with differing abilities represent an extraordinary, untapped talent pool, ready to work and contribute.

To unlock this potential, New York state can take five specific steps:

1. Certification for disability-owned businesses. The state already certifies businesses owned by women and veterans, which gives these businesses crucial visibility and access to state resources. Establishing a similar certification for disability-owned businesses would send a powerful message and create essential opportunities for these businesses.
2. Set-asides for disability-owned businesses, New York has created procurement set-asides in state contracts for women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. Extending this to include disability-owned businesses would ensure they have a fair chance to secure state contracts and grow.
3. Expand NYSID programs to include for-profits. New York State Industries for the Disabled generates millions of dollars in wages for people with disabilities through nonprofit partners. But this outdated restriction excludes for-profit businesses, perpetuating the false impression that only nonprofits will employ people with disabilities. Why exclude for-profit businesses owned by people with disabilities? By including them, we could unlock even greater economic potential.
4. Technical support for startups. The state offers technical support through various programs, and coordinating these resources for disability-owned startups would level the playing field for entrepreneurs like John.
5. Startup grants. New York provides millions in grants to encourage new businesses. Some of these funds should be earmarked specifically for startups owned by people with disabilities.

People with differing abilities are a vast, often overlooked resource. They are ready, able and willing to contribute to our economy, bringing diverse perspectives, talents and innovations. Yet structural barriers have kept many from reaching their full potential.

John’s Crazy Socks has proven that when people with disabilities start businesses, they don’t just create jobs — they inspire others, spark change and strengthen their communities. New York state has both the resources and the responsibility to foster this kind of inclusive growth. Let’s build an economy that works for everyone. By embracing entrepreneurship for people with differing abilities, our state can show the nation what’s possible when opportunity is available to all.

Mark X. Cronin is a co-founder and president of John’s Crazy Socks, in Farmingdale.