FROM IDEA TO START-UP: EXPLORING SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND MICRO-BUSINESSES

LifeDesigns, Inc. is the recipient of the 2016 Organizational Effectiveness Grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington

and Monroe County in Indiana June 21, 2016

National APSE Conference

Session Presenters

Susan Rinne, Chief Executive Officer LifeDesigns, Inc. Bloomington, Indiana 47401 srinne@lifedesignsinc.org www.lifedesignsinc.org

Susan has over 30 years experience in the field of disability services Founding Member of INAPSE - The Network on Employment Former Director of DiversityWorks, one of Indiana’s first business leadership networks Worked on the Indiana Employment First Coalition in 2005 to move employment forward in Indiana

Sharon has been a Community Inclusion Specialist since 1988 Develops training: skills development, careers, evolving education, healthcare, transition, advocacy Establishes community partnerships that create access and community membership for people Indiana’s adult representative for YouthACT and 2015 INYouth Leadership Forum Co-Coordinator

Sharon Galloway, Consultant Success Defined, LLC

Solsberry, Indiana 47459 sharon-galloway@comcast.net

Facebook.com/SuccessDefinedLLC

Session Goals

!  Introduce the LifeDesigns Employment First project

!  Person-Centered Planning for Career Development

!  Explore how self-employment options compare to traditional employment, including resources available for micro-businesses

!  Identify potential partners within your community that can be used in the development and management of start-up businesses for the people we support

History of Employment First

!  Before the 1960’s people with disabilities were placed in institutions or kept at home [impossible to consider people with disabilities in the community]

!  1970’s saw an immergence of sheltered workshops; safe places for people to go [possible]

!  1980’s - the decade of PREPAREDNESS – prepare for life, work [beneficial]

!  1990’s began “grouping” people with disabilities in the community [allowed]

!  2000’s began the movement: Employment First initiatives in the U.S. [preferred]

!  Today, most states have a “best-practices” policy which advocates for Employment First initiatives !  TN 2002, WA 2004, CA 2005, IN 2005, MN 2006 !  Most states in progress with Employment First Policy discussion !  Today it is expected for people to participate in integrated employment

APSE Employment First Webinar Series is available online – www.apse.org

Statements on Employment First

!  The Department of Labor’s Office on Disability Employment Policy [ODEP] declared that the employment first states act as a model for the nation by disallowing sheltered employment with sub-minimum wages and non-work “day activities” as acceptable employment outcomes [2009] ODEP has initiated the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP), a cross-disability, cross-systems change initiative. EFSLMP is providing a platform for multi-disciplinary state teams to focus on implementing the Employment First approach with fidelity through the alignment of policies, coordination of resources, updating of service delivery models, to facilitate increased integrated employment options for people with the most significant disabilities.

!  To advance the growing national momentum to focus on integrated employment as the desired outcome for people with disabilities APSE established a strategic plan to support and promote the Employment First movement throughout the United States [2014]

!  Indiana’s Employment First Initiative is a partnership between Vocational Rehabilitation Services and BDDS to emphasize the importance of community integrated employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Efforts are underway to engage people currently in services, on waitlists, and those applying for services to get connected to VR counselors in their areas. Still In Development - WE WISH TO LEAD. [www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4245.htm]

www.apse.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/APSE-Employment-First-White-Paper.pdf

Employment First Philosophy

!  The vision of making employment the first priority and preferred outcome of working-age youth and adults with disabilities -

!  we will be expecting, encouraging, providing, creating, and rewarding integrated employment in the workforce

!  at minimum or competitive wages and benefits

!  including those with complex and significant disabilities, for whom job placement in the past has been limited, or has not traditionally occurred.

http://griffinhammis.typepad.com/Manifesto%20Employment-First-Report.pdf

LifeDesigns Employment First Project Goals

"  Increase the number of customers currently employed [94] by 50% by 2018

"  An additional 47 people to employ; currently 275 working-age customers

"  Assist TEN people to design and achieve self-employment/micro-businesses

"  Facilitate an Employment First Network for customers seeking employment

"  Develop strategies that insure person-centered planning includes: choice, flexibility, creativity, and overall satisfaction with employment outcomes

"  Empower everyone on staff to design and/or participate in planning which leads to employment for our customers – Training Opportunities!

"  Increase our expertise and capacity through partnership with organizations, businesses, employers, consultants invested in successful employment outcomes

"  Share what we learn and put into practice – Demonstrate and Lead

LifeDesigns Employment First Strengths

!  Strengths –

!  LifeDesigns has been assisting people to get and keep jobs since 1999 – Experienced!

!  94 customers with jobs; good overall customer satisfaction

!  Bloomington is a diverse, welcoming community

!  We work diligently with like-minded organizations to raise funds, share training opportunities, and advocate at the legislative level.

!  We have established professional relationships with employers, City of Bloomington, IU, IIDC, and others

!  Core staff are experienced and dedicated

!  Leadership is committed to the Employment First mission

LifeDesigns Employment First Barriers

"  Barriers –

!  We operate with marginal, inflexible Medicaid funding

!  System-wide low wages for DSP’s inspire turnover

!  Staff shortages that can impact flexibility/creativity

!  Myth and lack of information: customers/families/employers

!  More training needed to implement Employment First practices

!  Better training/marketing of qualified people who will contribute to the workplace vs. asking employers to hire a person with a disability

!  “There remains much about the status quo that is desirable to our community.” – David Mank, IIDC Director

Meet Mark

Mark came to LIFEDesigns out of a desire to achieve independence, he had lived with his mother for 43 years. With help from his team, Mark found an apartment, has learned to cook meals, maintain his home, shop, pay bills, and much more.

Mark has found a job working 18 hours per week at Lowe’s. He uses the bus schedule to get around town. Mark loves his independence and spends more time in the community, both for work and meeting up with friends. Mark is a good example of “you never know what you’re capable of unless you test yourself.”

What’s in a Name?

Small Business

Micro-Business Start-Up Business

Boutique Business

Sole Proprietorship

Self-Employment

Competitive

Employment

Shared

Employment

Integrated Employment

Casual Employment

Contract

Employment

Intern

Definitions of Employment

!  Start-up Business – a new, rapidly emerging business venture

!  Small Business – A self-sustaining organization designed to generate revenues [>500 Employees/>$7.5 Million]

!  Micro-Business – A business that operates on a very small scale – sole proprietorships or no more than two employees

!  Boutique Business – A small business offering specialized services or products

!  Sole Proprietorship – Business with one owner, pay income taxes via personal tax returns, simplest to set-up or take apart

!  Self-Employment – Earning personal income through a business one operates themselves

More Definitions of Employment

!  Competitive Employment – F-T/P-T typically paid employees !  Integrated Employment – jobs held by people with disabilities

in typical workplace settings where the majority of employees are not persons with disabilities, they earn at least minimum wage and are hired/paid directly by the employer

!  Shared Employment – an arrangement between two or more employees to work on a reduced-time basis to perform a job typically held by one F-T employee

!  Casual Employment – engaged on an irregular basis based on work demands

!  Fixed-Term or Contract Employment – Specific timeframe/task assignments, piecemeal

!  Apprentices, Interns, Trainee – formerly registered, working towards a qualification, paid and unpaid labor

Self-Employment

!  Self-employment allows people to customize their work experience specifically to their needs and to design a work environment that optimizes flexibility and accommodation.

Photo Courtesy of www.worksupport.com

Employment vs. Self-Employment

!  Anything that can be done in traditional employment can also be done through self-employment

! Building and Repairing – bikes, lawnmowers, small engines ! Office Management - shredding, scanning, shelving, billing,

sorting, data input, web-design ! Advocacy and Consulting – public speaking, group

facilitation, teaching experience ! Retail sales, fashion, baking, gardening, landscaping, etc. ! Think about other examples – A job vs. A business

What is Person-Centered Planning?

!  A Person-Centered Plan (PCP) is a way to plan for one’s life using a step-by-step process

!  It includes the individual’s life-goals and dreams, and generates the steps to take to accomplish them

!  It is created by and for the individual using members of their selected team

!  The process provides strategies to achieve goals

!  We will learn to conduct “employment-focused” PATH plans.

Person-Centered Planning and Career Development

! All people with or without disabilities should choose the type of work they do for the same reasons. As we explore career development we pay close attention to these factors: # What are you passionate about? What makes you happy? # How to use one’s skills and abilities to their full potential # Explore requirements for income, benefits and healthcare #  Invest in adaptive, accommodation needs assessment # Discuss finding satisfaction in work that promotes meaningful

contribution # Consider how employment can be the difference between a

life of dependence or self-sufficiency for each individual.

Peer Employment Network

"  Supported by and for our Employment Services Team

"  Facilitate a peer-support model "  Identify individual skills and interests – Exploration! " Develop community mentorship connections " Bring in the experts " Generate a menu of ideas for self-employment " Help develop micro-business plans " Catalogue current resources for self-employment

Micro-Business Start-up Video

Exploring Self-Employment Opportunities This video describes the value of being self-employed for people with developmental disabilities. It highlights 3 successful businesses and how they got started - http://www.alis.alberta.ca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsF9fs5DFIc

Starting a Business

"  Entrepreneur Resources for People with Disabilities – Disability.gov

"  Details important considerations for entrepreneurs with disabilities

"  Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities - dol.gov/odep

"  Introduces some of the critical factors in considering business feasibility, developing financial resources, and basic business plan development

"  Small Business and Self-Employment Service – dol.gov/odep

"  Provides access to information such as the pros and cons of starting a business as a disabled person, counseling, and referral opportunities

"  START-UP USA - worksupport.com

"  Contains self-employment information and resources

"  Global Network for Entrepreneurs with disabilities - entrepreneurswithdisabilities.org

"  Developed a social and business network for business owners with disabilities.

"  Ticket-to-Work - ssa.gov/work

"  Connects Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income

Financing a Business

"  Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS Plan) – ssa.gov " A PASS can include supplies to start a business, school expenses,

equipment and tools, transportation, uniforms and other items or services you need to reach your employment goal

"  Abilities Fund – abilitiesfund.org "  Provides access to financial assistance, resources, & customized

training to entrepreneurs with disabilities - CURRICULUM!

"  Association for Enterprise Opportunity - microenterpriseworks.org

"  States also provide specific resources, partner with your state’s Small Business Administration District Office

Financing a Business

"  Startup Resources through the U.S. Small Business Administration

"  There are a number of programs to assist startups, micro businesses, and underserved groups.

" Environmentally-Friendly "Green" Business " Home-Based Business " Online Business " Self Employment " Minority Owned Business " Veteran Owned Business " Woman Owned Business

Microloan Program

"  Microloan Program - govloans.gov/loans " The MicroLoan Program provides very small loans to

start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns. SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders (Microlender Intermediaries) which, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $50,000. The average loan size is about $13,000. Applications are submitted to the local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on the local level.

Finding a Business Mentor – Business.USA.gov

"  SCORE Mentors: Sponsored by SBA, SCORE provides free mentoring and advice to small business owners nationwide via a network of business executives, leaders and volunteers. You can connect with a SCORE volunteer through in-person and/or online.

"  Small Business Development Centers: SBDCs provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDC services include financial counseling, marketing advice, info tech, management guidance.

"  Women’s Business Centers: WBCs is a national network that provides business training with the unique needs of women entrepreneurs in mind.

"  Veteran’s Business Outreach Centers: VBOCs provide veterans with entrepreneurial development services, business training and mentoring.

"  Minority Business Development Agency: MBDA advisors help minority business owners gain access to capital, contracts, market research and business consulting.

ODEP Technical Assistance Resources

"  Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) — Partnership which promotes the employment, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities through the development, adoption, and promotion of accessible technology.

"  Job Accommodation Network (JAN) — Leading source of free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

"  National Employer Technical Assistance Center — Collaborative that researches and develops inclusive employer practices and policies and, through the Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN), helps employers hire and retain workers with disabilities.

"  National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) — Partnership to promote success for youth with disabilities entering the world of work.

"  National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD Center) — Collaborative of disability, workforce and economic empowerment organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable individual and systems-level change to improve competitive, integrated employment and economic self-sufficiency for adults across the spectrum of disabilities.

Trade and Professional Resources

"  Business Leadership Network – usbln.org

"  National disability organization led by business for business, promotes best practices in hiring, retaining and marketing to people with disabilities

"  Chamber of Commerce for Individuals with Disabilities – disabilitychamber.org "  Provides info/best practices to improve economic status of inds. with disabilities

"  Disabled Businesspersons Association - disabledbusiness.org

"  Assists enterprising individuals with disabilities to succeed in business

"  National AgrAbility Project – agrabilityproject.org

"  Offers resources to people with disabilities who are employed in agriculture

"  Job Accommodation Network [JAN] – askjan.org

"  Provides tech assist and mentoring services for disabled entrepreneurs

"  What Can You Do Campaign – whatcanyoudocampaign.org

"  Explores information and resources for disabled entrepreneurs

Additional Online Resources

"  APSE.org/conferences-training/free-webinars

"  GriffinHammis.com – Consultants creating communities of economic cooperation

!  DOR.CA.gov/Public/WIOA-Information.html

!  DDS.CA.gov/consumercorner/empResources.cfm

!  TheARC.org - TalentScout: Employees with Autism

!  AUCD.org – Association of University Centers on Developmental Disabilities

!  NCIL.org – National Council on Independent Living

!  2.ED.gov – Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services [OSERS]

Identify YOUR community partners

Take a couple minutes to identify potential partners within your own communities that can be used in the development and start-up of new businesses.

Thank You for Attending!