Resources that Support SelfEmployment

1
Resources that Support Self-Employment

• Molly Sullivan
• Griffin-Hammis Associates
• www.start-up-usa.biz

2
Self-Employment is a Natural Choice for Many

• What drives people to self-employment,
  disability or not
• Employment Independence (self-employed)
• Natural skill/talent thats marketable
• Self-Actualization-maximize all of owners
  skills/talents
• Increased Financial Potential
• Creative Freedom

3
Self-Employment is a Natural Choice for Many
People with Disabilities

• Advantages of Self-Employment for people with
  disabilities
• Access to SSA benefits provides financial
• cushion during start-up.
• Only substantial option available under SSI and
  Medicaid systems to accumulate personal wealth
  and manage income in a way that is predictable
  and adjustable.

4
Self-Employment is a Natural Choice for Many
People with Disabilities

• Advantages of Self-Employment for people with
  disabilities
• Access to alternate sources of capital.
• Allows for the creation of a work opportunity
  designed specifically for a entrepreneur.
• Offers opportunity for greater inclusion through
  
• increased income
• interaction with suppliers, customers, and mentors

5
CWICs role with Self-Employment

• Self-Employment takes a Team
• Sample list of Team members
• Entrepreneur
• Entrepreneurs family/support system
• Vocational Rehabilitation counselor
• Business Consultant
• Accountant
• Mentor
• Community Work Incentive Coordinator

6
A CWICs role with Self-Employment

• Know your role
• Provide accurate information about impact of
  self-employment income on benefits
• Provide accurate information about Work
  Incentives that could support work goal
• Provide REFERRALS to appropriate business
  resources when asked about non-Work Incentive
  questions

7
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Work Incentives and Entities that support for
  Self-Employment
• Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Set
  aside own funds to pay for expenses related to
  reaching work goal, in return receive
  new/additional SSI payments.
• Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Matched
  savings account used to save for start-up
  expenses. Match amount varies by program (11,
  12, 13, etc.). A defined goal and financial
  literacy training are required to receive match.

8
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Work Incentives and Entities that support for
  Self-Employment
• Vocational Rehabilitation (State/VA/Tribal) or
  Employment Networks (EN) Provide services and
  supports needed to identify and secure
  employment, including start-up of business.
• One Stop Centers Provide intensive employment
  counseling, individual training accounts and
  referrals.

9
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Other creative possibilities for Self-Employment
  support
• Pro-bono work
• In-kind supports and services
• Donated items
• Grants/Councils
• Given specific expenses, there could be a variety
  of resources to utilize in your community

10
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Common Business Planning Development Resources
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Literature, counseling, loan information, market
  research information, classes, etc.
• Microenterprise Centers
• Classes, consultation and planning tools for
  businesses with 5 or fewer employees.
• Senior Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE)
• Business consultation and planning tools
• University sponsored business centers
• Business school students and faculty provide
  consultation and business planning
  services/resources

11
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Common Business Planning Development Resources
• Womens Business Centers
• Over 100 nationally, counseling, market research,
  loan information, classes.
• Tribal Business Information Centers
• In tribal communities, business consulting,
  market research.
• Veteran business development centers
• Multiple programs available to assist veterans
  develop small businesses.

12
Develop a Network of Business Resources

• Disability Specific Business Planning
  Development Resources
• START-UP USA
• Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources,
  and Training
• The Small Business and Self-Employment Service
• Information, counseling and referrals about
  self-employment for people with disabilities
• National Center on Workforce and
  Disability/Adult
• Information and fact sheet about self-employment
  for people with disabilities
• Griffin-Hammis Associates
• Providing information, training and technical
  assistance about innovative employment, including
  self-employment

13
Be a Team Player

• Be prepared to provide the necessary Work
  Incentive Planning Services
• Be prepared to provide the necessary Business
  Planning Development referrals
• Be prepared to be part of an entrepreneurs
  business development team