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Local entrepreneur with disability asks council for startup funding guidance; councilors offer referrals
Summary
Tamar De Leon, a disabled resident building prosthetics, asked the council for guidance on startup funding and resources. Councilors and staff directed her to local resources including Wyoming 211, Casper College startup programs and Visit Casper impact grants, and offered to follow up with contacts.
Tamar De Leon, a 26‑year‑old resident who said she has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and builds prosthetics, used public comment time to ask the Casper City Council for guidance on startup funding and local resources to launch a prosthetics business in Casper.
"I'm doing my LLC license... I was wondering if there would be any type of private or set-aside funding for starting up businesses because I'm not trying to get into debt," De Leon said, adding she had invested personal funds and was seeking advice on grants or other seed opportunities.
Council response: Councilors and staff thanked De Leon for sharing her lived experience and offered specific local resources. Councilor Pollock offered to gather contact information and connect her with organizations that can help with business creation. Councilor Gamroth pointed to a local Casper College startup program and Visit Casper impact grants as possible avenues. Councilor Gamroth and others recommended dialing Wyoming 2‑1‑1 to be connected to legal resources, disability services and business development programs; several councilors offered to email additional contacts and follow up.
Why it matters: De Leon’s request highlights barriers entrepreneurs with disabilities face — in transportation, access to workspace and capital — and how local networks and small business programs can assist in early-stage development.
Next steps: Councilors requested De Leon leave contact information with staff so they can follow up with grant and startup program contacts. The city suggested connections to the Council of People with Disabilities and local business development resources.
