jan is a service of the u.s. department of labors office of disability employment policy. 1 more...

JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

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More Than One Path to the Top of the Mountain: Self-Employment as an Individualized Process for

Individuals with Disabilities

Kim Cordingly, Job Accommodation Network Russell Sickles & Brian Connaughton, Job Squad

IncorporatedLarry Batten, U.S. Small Business Administration

Presentation Overview

Introduction of presenters and programs Metaphors from The Mountain State – self-

employment as an individualized process Flavors of self-employment – different

paths up the mountain Economic investment of self-employment in

small communities Benefits of self-employment to veterans

with disabilities Examples of customized self-employment Questions and answers

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Presenters

Kim Cordingly, JAN

Lead Consultant - Self-Employmentcordingly@jan.wvu.edu

Russell Sickles, Job Squad, Inc.

Director of Operations and Business Developmentrsickles@jobsquadinc.org

Brian Connaughton, Job Squad, Inc.

Community Economic Development Managerbconnaughton@jobsquadinc.org

Larry Batten, U.S. Small Business Administrationlarry.batten@sba.gov

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JAN Self-Employment Team

Individualized consulting and resource materials based on specific needs

Services are national in scope Ongoing electronic and telephone access

and support JAN entrepreneurship

Website access For-profit, non-profit,

customized employment,

home-based businesses, independent contracting

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Job Squad Incorporated

• Private nonprofit organization • Community employment (wage and/or

self-employment) • Community Economic Development

Program focused on

customized employment and economic

development approaches• Provides Social Security benefits planning & analysis• Uses discovery – an individualized and customized

method for work exploration with small business ownership and/or wage job outcomes

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U.S. Small Business Administration

“The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.”

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Metaphors from The Mountain State

Models, strategies, processes…what does individualized – customized really mean?

Hiking tips Person-centered/personal geography Why is self-employment an important option? It’s in the numbers… Attuned to economic environment of local communities Experiences from the field…

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Flavors of Self-Employment

Defining customized employment…

Sole proprietorshipBusiness within a businessPartnershipFranchise Independent contracting/freelancingHome-based businessCooperativeHybrid business – for-profit/non-profit

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Funding/Resource Ownership

Traditional FundingBank LoansPersonal savingsSBA loan guarantees (not microloan program)Economic development funds Venture capitalCredit unionsCredit cards

Innovative FundingMicroloans (e.g., compensating balance)Use of Social Security work incentives (e.g., PASS Plan)Individual Development Accounts (IDA)CrowdfundingDisability programs

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Funding/Resource Ownership

“Resource ownership is a mutually beneficial process ofacquiring materials, equipment, or skills that, when matched to ajob seeker’s interests and customer needs, generates profits forthe employer and wages for the employee.”

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Economic Development Component

Benefits to Small, Rural Communities

Strong reliance of small business ownership for job growthSmall business monies tend to stay in the communitySelf-employment essential to developing local economiesProvides an infrastructure for medium to larger businesses Fosters strong relationshipsand social capital

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Advantages for Disabled Veterans

Many rural states like W.V. have a high percentage of veterans with disabilities (both service-connected and not) – job creation

Ability to incorporate accommodations into the design of the business (e.g., PTSD and agriculture)

SBA, VA and other programs available to veterans specifically to start small businesses Federal, state, and local contracting opportunities

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Customized Self-Employment Profiles

Sole Proprietorship: Raymond•Veteran and beekeeper•Full-time wage employment•Hobby business•Family participation

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Customized Self-Employment Profiles

Franchise Owner: Kathy•Veteran•Pampered Chef•Accommodation opportunities•Franchise advantages

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Customized Self-Employment Profiles

Business Within a Business: Connie•Limited work history•Wage employment at non-employer•Social capital•Resource ownership

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Customized Self-Employment Profiles

Business Within a Business: Eddie•No work history/labor market•PASS/Secured loan•Resource ownership

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Ask questions!

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Contact Us!

Contact

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (800)526-7234 (V) & (877)781-9403 (TTY) AskJAN.org & jan@askjan.org

Job Squad, Inc. (304)848-0850 http://www.jobsquadinc.org/

Small Business Administration (SBA) SBA Answer Desk: (800)827-5722 http://www.sba.gov/wv

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