There are many new resources for people who are looking for employment in small businesses or interested in the possiblity of self-employment. Discover more resources in a variety of topics and formats for employers who seek disabled workers, college students seeking self-employment, and tips on how to get started in entrepreneurship through fact sheets, webinars, and CD's. The following resources on self-employment were originally published in Monday Morning in Washington DC and are reproduced with permission.
START-UP/USA - SELF-EMPLOYMENT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES, AND TRAINING
START-UP/USA
provides technical assistance to support self-employment and small business ownership among people with disabilities. It includes a series of webcasts on using the Social Security Administration's Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) to support small business ownership, developing a business plan, as well as information for veterans with disabilities.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT Q AND A: SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES SPEAK OUT!
This fact sheet from START-UP / USA highlights the experiences of several entrepreneurs with disabilities. Several individuals were asked the same set of questions. Their answers provide insights, encouragement, and cautions for other individuals with disabilities who might want to consider business ownership. Interestingly, these business owners' answers were not any different from other typical business owners without disabilities.
THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The SBA offers brief (30-minute) courses on how to start a business, develop a business plan, find start-up funding, assess financial needs, manage cash flow, conduct a marketing analysis, build your brand, build a website for e-commerce, ensure computer security, do business internationally, plan for retirement, and more. Some courses require online registration. To access more information on SBA courses click here.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A FLEXIBLE ROUTE TO ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FACT SHEET
Entrepreneurship is an increasingly popular and practical option for people with disabilities. Small business ownership and other self-employment options have the power to lower the traditionally high unemployment rate among people with disabilities. This ODEP fact sheet lists both the benefits of and barriers to self-employment and highlights creative partnerships that are advancing entrepreneurship as an effective route to economic independence.
ARCHIVED WEBCAST ON SELF-EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE ON LINE
The National Research and Training Center recently held a web cast discussing self-employment, "Put Yourself in the Driver's Seat: Getting on the Road to Self-Employment or a Job that's Right for You". Highlights of the web cast include using the Internet as an employment resource, finding the right job, getting help for starting a business venture, and developing a business plan. Emphasis is on people with mental health disabilities, but anyone interested in work and entrepreneurship will find useful information in these three sessions. To access the recorded webcasts and the handouts click here.
NEW CD - SELF-EMPLOYMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
This CD, developed by T-TAP, provides the viewer with information on self-employment for individuals with disabilities. The CD contains audio and video presentations, fact sheets, related web links, and important contact information. Topics include Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities, Using Work Incentives to Fund Micro Enterprises, Developing a Business Plan, and Self-Employment as a Customized Employment Outcome. To purchase the CD click here.
New Resource for Employers Seeking to Hire People with Disabilities
EARNWorks is a free service that connects employers with qualified jobseekers with disabilities and provide consultative services on disability matters. The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
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