DSNWK’s Employment Connections provides Business Of My Own services to individuals referred by Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation, who have a strong desire to start their own business, who have the skills to maintain a business with natural supports once identified and secured, and who have had limited success finding employment in their own community because of the lack of availability in their skill area or the nature of their disability.
Owning your own business is a viable mean of employment. Starting your own business is a risky alternative to working for some one else, but for any individuals with disabilities it may even be less attainable because of the road blocks of being unable to complete paperwork or understand the process. The Small Business Administration, which is a natural support for anyone wanting to pursue a business, provides information and direction but are not set up to guide someone through completing each needed step and provide continuous assistance to complete each aspect. The Employment Connections Manager assigned to this service assists individuals in achieving their goal for self employment. The businesses are built around each individual’s skills, interest and the feasibility of its success. Their business provides income and supports self efficiency.
The service includes but are not limited to: assisting individuals in securing resources, developing a business plan, securing finances, marketing products or services, locating information concerning licenses, taxes, and book keeping practices. The manager develops an employment plan with the individual and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Once the needs are identified the Employment Manager will assist the individual or will find generic supports to accomplish the employment goals. The manager attends meeting with the individual and assists with written proposals, information needed to secure funding, or other business related documentation. The manager may also link the individual with local resource agencies such as; Economic Development Directors, Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Centers in each community to provide long term support in operating their business.
The individuals who are best served by the Business Of My Own program are; 1) individuals who are self motivated to succeed, 2) individuals who have a service or product they want to turn into a business, 3) individuals who have the skills to maintain a business with natural supports once identified and secured.