Ruth E. Chavez is the Business Development Counselor and Community Navigator at National Disability Institute, specializing in supporting small businesses owned by individuals with disabilities across the nation. In her current role, Ruth provides expert guidance on feasibility studies, business plans and personal budgets, helping clients apply for start-up funding through vocational rehabilitation. Her support is tailored to the unique preferences and capacities of individuals with disabilities. Ruth’s prior experience includes a role as a bilingual Business Consultant and Training Coordinator at the University of Maryland’s Small Business Development Center, where she provided business counseling and organized numerous training programs for small business owners. Ruth’s background in entrepreneurship, combined with her bilingual skills in English and Spanish, equips her with a unique perspective and set of skills for supporting the success of small businesses.