Because of a debilitating injury and chronic illness, Anna Bradley found herself out of a very successful job as a corporate IT professional at age 35. With tenacity, determination and an ever-inquisitive mind, Anna overcame great obstacles to form her own unique company.

Anna started Criterion 508 Solutions, Inc. in 2001 not only to accommodate her own disabilities, but also to create job opportunities for other qualified people with disabilities. This virtual company is a leading provider of compliance IT accessibility testing and repair solutions for federal agencies and government contractors who must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 2001.

Located in Johnston, Iowa, Criterion 508 Solutions is an SBA-certified 8(a) woman-owned firm that employs 21 people, half of whom are disabled. Criterion provides both the technical and business expertise needed to design, test, document, and manage Section 508 accessibility requirements. The company’s unique structure and organization allows its highly-trained employees to work from home, getting paid well to do work for which they are uniquely qualified, many because of their disabilities.

Anna is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned two Masters degrees and completed Drake University’s Doctoral program in Educational Leadership. She is also a member of the Policy Implementation Advisory Panel of the National Center on Disability and Access to Education and was recently appointed to the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development. She has more than 15 years experience in executive management and eLearning consultation services.

The Mid Iowa SBDC utilized a “wizard council” of professional counselors and a comprehensive growth acceleration process to help Anna grow her innovative company. This process included financial assistance, strategic growth assistance and accounting assistance. The company’s revenue potential for 2008 under its new contract is projected to triple and continue its growth pattern.

Anna continues to rely on the SBDC as new opportunities arise. She says, “SBDC staff and consultants have been critical to the success of Criterion 508 Solutions, Inc. as we have grown our business during the past year. SBDC consultants, with extensive experience in starting, growing and expanding businesses, provided Criterion management with valuable insight to our own expansion needs. I can't thank SBDC enough for their sincere concern for Criterion's success and the resources SBDC brought to the table!"