The following supports and services are provided to assist a client in making an informed choice and to implement a Self-Employment Plan.
 

Feasibility and Business Plan Development:

• Reviews information gathered by local VR Self-Employment Specialist.
• Sets up a meeting with Self-Employment Team and VR Self-Employment Specialist 
• If VR does not support a Feasibility Study, case is referred back to Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator to coordinate a meeting with VR Self-Employment Specialist and the client.
• If Self-Employment Team supports feasibility study, send Self-Employment Packet to Business Consultant with required authorization.
• Works with client, VR Self-Employment Specialist, and other providers (Benefits Planner for self-employment, ATP) to facilitate feasibility of self-employment goal.

• Sets up meeting with all appropriate parties to determine next step once feasibility is completed.
• If feasibility is positive, moves forward with Business Plan. 
• If not feasible, refers back to original referring VR Specialist

• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator works with the client, the VR Self-Employment Specialist, and outside resources (when determined appropriate) to assist client in developing their business plan.
• Assistive technology services (disability related expenses), external self-employment consultant and Business Plan Development are all part of the Business Plan Implementation.  They are not considered small business start-up items and are not included in the funding limit in Rule 72 for small business start-up expenses. 

Business Plan Implementation 

• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator sets up a meeting with all involved parties to review the completed Business Plan.
• Supports the client and monitors progress during the implementation process.
• Refers and advocates for the client to other business funding sources, as appropriate.
• Coordinates with the VR Self-Employment Specialist regarding any ATP accommodations.
• Ensures, in conjunction with the VR Self-Employment Specialist, any training or supports needed are implemented.
• Coordinates with the VR Marketing Team to ensure the new business is marketed to appropriate customers.
• All receipts using VR start-up funds will be obtained from the local VR Offices.
• All of the above services will be documented in QE2 as they occur.

Business Monitoring

• Follows up with the business owner to provide assistance, to address problems, and to ensure the new business is progressing as planned.

• Has a minimum of monthly communication/meetings with business owner.  These communications/meetings can be in conjunction with the Self-Employment Specialist.  
• Client reports the monthly business income.
• Monitors the Target Net Monthly Income Goal.
• The monthly contact is recorded in the file along with the copy of the financial reports.
• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator keeps VR Self-Employment Specialist informed of progress.

• Coordinates with VR Self-Employment Specialist to determine when client is ready for VR successful closure.

All criteria are the same for supported self-employment and for non-supported self-employment. 

If the individual has an authorized representative, ensure the representative supports the idea and is provided with information as the individual moves through the process.  The authorized representative should be invited to attend all meetings. 

VR Specialist Checklist

• Work with client and family to select a provider.  Refer to Supported Employment chapter for assistance with this process.
• Provide general information to client who expresses interest in Self –Employment. The following information must be shared so the client has an overview of the Self-Employment process, and to assist him/her in making an informed choice.
• Refer to Benefits Orientation Chapter, as applicable, to ensure client is provided this team service to use information to make an informed choice about self-employment.
• Review job readiness factors, address any issues, ensure stability prior to referring to self-employment specialist.
• Discuss Advantages and Disadvantages of Self Employment Form
• Complete Green and Red Flags for Self-Employment Form
• Explain VR must ensure the occupation & self-employment are based on client strengths, limitations, abilities, informed choice and labor market demand.
• Explain the local VR Self Employment Specialist will assign the Self-Employment questionnaire to explore the business idea, the client’s disability, possible work accommodations, and financial history. 
• Explain the client’s FICO Score, Credit Report and other budget information will be obtained. Client's credit score is NOT used to eliminate the referral to self-employment feasibility.
• Explain any criminal background information will be discussed. 
• Explain assessments to evaluate aptitude in bookkeeping and business skills may be done. 
• Summarize the discussions in QE2.

VR Self-Employment Specialist

•  Provide In-depth Self-Employment Exploration.  Refer for Benefits Assessment.
•  Additional career exploration may be used to assist the client in determining whether pursuing self-employment goal is right for her/him. (i.e. Interest tests)
• Discuss the business idea.  Have the individual describe the business in his own words.
• Discuss the type of help the person thinks she/he will need.
• Ensure the Guardian (or representative), if applicable, is informed and consents to this exploration.  Guardian or rep should be invited to every meeting.
• Ensure all paperwork is completed, including the Self-Employment Questionnaire, Financial history and credit history (Fico Score), Personal finances Worksheet.  (Client may not have financial history or FICO score.  If no credit history, submit without the scores.)
• Submit all paperwork if client wishes to pursue feasibility study to Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator.
• Follow all steps for authorization of Feasibility Study and Business Plan.
• Business Plan completed and Business Owner ready to implement business plan.
• IPE development, to include extended service plan.  Benefits Plan is authorized.
• Refer for Benefits Analysis & PASS Development if Feasibility Positive.  Authorize for the BSNA-Work Incentive Plan (WIP) and for PASS Development if required.
• Authorize for Business Start Up Costs.
• Business Owner communicates regularly (minimum every thirty (30) days) with the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator or VR Self-Employment Specialist.
• Business producing income.
• Supports are stable including bookkeeping and billing.
• Business reaches targeted net income goal.
• If client is unable to reach net income goal but stabilizes at a lower income level for a minimum of three (3) months, a successful outcome may be considered.
• All parties including DD Service Coordinator must agree on closure.
• Long term support plan is in place.  Person transitions to their extended service plan.

Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator 

 Feasibility and Business Plan Development

• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator ensures all meetings include the VR Self-Employment Specialist, along with the Authorized Representative, if applicable, and the Service Provider.
• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator ensures accommodations are utilized by using Provider to assist with paperwork.
• Notifies Business Consultant this is a Supported Self-Employment Client.
• Reviews information gathered by local VR Self-Employment Specialist.
• Sets up a meeting with Self-Employment Team and VR Self-Employment Specialist 
• If VR does not support a Feasibility Study, case is referred back to Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator to coordinate a meeting with VR Self-Employment Specialist and the client.
• If Self-Employment Team supports feasibility study, send Self-Employment Packet to Business Consultant with required authorization.
• Works with client, VR Self-Employment Specialist, and other providers (Benefits Planner for self-employment, ATP) to facilitate feasibility of self-employment goal.
• Sets up meeting with all appropriate parties to determine next step once feasibility is completed.
• If feasibility is positive, moves forward with Business Plan. 
• If not feasible, refers back to original referring VR Specialist
• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator works with the client, the VR Self-Employment Specialist, and outside resources (when determined appropriate) to assist client in developing their business plan.
• Assistive technology services (disability related expenses), external self-employment consultant and Business Plan Development are all part of the Business Plan Implementation.  They are not considered small business start-up items and are not included in the funding limit in Rule 72 for small business start-up expenses. 

• Business Plan Implementation 

• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator sets up a meeting with all involved parties to review the completed Business Plan.
• Supports the client and monitors progress during the implementation process.
• Refers and advocates for the client to other business funding sources, as appropriate.
• Coordinates with the VR Self-Employment Specialist regarding any ATP accommodations.
• Ensures, in conjunction with the VR Self-Employment Specialist, any training or supports needed are implemented.
• Coordinates with the VR Marketing Team to ensure the new business is marketed to appropriate customers.
• All receipts using VR start-up funds will be obtained from the local VR Offices.
• All of the above services will be documented in QE2 as they occur.

Business Monitoring

•  The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will contact the Business Owner and all of the Owner’s team including the Provider and the Authorized Representative when reviewing business progress.
• Follows up with the business owner to provide assistance, to address problems, and to ensure the new business is progressing as planned.
• Has a minimum of monthly communication/meetings with business owner.  These communications/meetings can be in conjunction with the Self-Employment Specialist.  
• Client reports the monthly business income.
• Monitors the Target Net Monthly Income Goal.
• The monthly contact is recorded in the file along with the copy of the financial reports.
• The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator keeps VR Self-Employment Specialist informed of progress.
• Coordinates with VR Self-Employment Specialist to determine when client is ready for VR successful closure.

Self-Employment Orientation and In-Depth Self-Employment Exploration and Discussion.

1. Provide general information on the Self-Employment Process when a client expresses interest in starting a businessso client can make an informed choice.  If client wishes to pursue Supported Self-Employment all steps apply. (See: Checklist 1; Use the Self-Employment tools - Advantages & Disadvantages of Self-Employment and Green Flags/Red Flags {located in Forms & Tools.} )  (If client is requesting Supported Self Employment, use Supported Self Employment Checklist in conjunction with the others.)
2. If the client is a Social Security recipient, complete necessary releases and refer to VR Benefits Specialist for benefits orientation.
3. If the client wishes to pursue in-depth exploration of Self-Employment, refer her/him to the Self-Employment VR Specialist. 
4. Document discussion results in QE 2 including the specific red flags and green flags identified.
5. The client completes the Self-Employment Questionnaire with or without assistance. Authorize to a DD provider of client's choice if client is choosing Supported Self-Employment.  The VR Specialist and the client discuss and analyze the Questionnaire.  The purpose is to provide guidance and to address disability and vocational issues that impact the business idea.
6. The VR Specialist refers the client to a VR evaluator to assess bookkeeping and business skills.  The current evaluations strongly recommended for assessment are the following SHL Talent Central Assessments—Office Math Skills, Business Etiquette, Basic Office Skills (No Math) and Business Income Tax (this one is only required if they plan to do the business income taxes themselves).  If these assessments are unavailable, please confer with the Self-Employment Team for alternative assessments.  It should also be noted that the evaluator SHOULD NOT be making determinations of the feasibility of Self Employment based on the results of the evaluations.  If the specialist makes the decision not to complete these assessments, a justification as to why needs to be documented in the task notes.  These justifications will be reviewed by the Self-Employment Team.  
7. The client completes the personal finance sheets.
8. If the client and VR Self-Employment Specialist agree to the next step of Feasibility Assessment, contact the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator for Self-Employment to review the self-employment packet.
9. After review of the packet, the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator sets up a meeting to review all of the materials for feasibility with the Self Employment Team and the VR Specialist.
10. Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator completes a TASK entry in QE2 summarizing the basis for the decision of the above meeting.
11. If approved to move forward by the Self-Employment Team, the Self-Employment Specialist refers for a Feasibility Assessment. The referral includes all the required information and the authorization for services including mileage over 25 miles.  Enter in QE 2 as Assessment Support-Self-Employment –Consultation (See provider information under forms & tools)
12. If the client and VR Self-Employment Specialist choose not to pursue self-employment at this time, refer the client back to the originating VR Specialist to explore other services. Task note basis of decision and why in QE2.

Conduct the Feasibility Assessment

1. The Business Consultant will conduct a Feasibility Assessment.  It will include: a determination if the business concept is feasible:  determination of sufficient demand for a product or service; determination if client possesses the technical, interpersonal and managerial skills to run a business and other information.  It will also include development of the following: a general market concept feasibility: a general market feasibility; a financial analysis and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. 
2. Client will provide information to the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator and Business Consultant in a timely manner.
3. Business Consultant sends copy of feasibility assessment and an invoice to the VR Self-Employment Specialist and to the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator.  
4. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator sets up a meeting with the Business Consultant, the VR Self-Employment Specialist, the Self-Employment Team, and the Client.  
5. A meeting is required whether the Feasibility Assessment is positive or negative to review the results of the feasibility. 
6. If the Feasibility Assessment is positive and everyone agrees, move forward with development of a business plan.  The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator discusses next steps with the client. 
7. If a decision is made for Business Plan development, the VR Self-Employment Specialist meets with the client to provide options for selection of Benefits Planning vendor and a referral is then made for Benefits Planning and Analysis (when appropriate).
8. If the Feasibility Assessment is negative, discuss alternatives with the client and the VR Self-Employment Specialist and refer back to originating VR Specialist.

Develop the Business Plan

1. Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator, VR Self-Employment Specialist and client will develop a business plan, with assistance from external resources if needed.   
2. While Business Plan is being developed, the VR Self-Employment Specialist refers to ATP if accommodations will be needed.  Reason for referral is marked Self-Employment Consultation.
3. 8.  Per Rule 72,  009.04. Application of resources:  The recipient must first apply personal and/or family resources and all financing available through grants or loans to the required business start-up expenses. Program assistance is available for the remaining business start-up expenses, up to the limit in Appendix B.   After exhausting all the above listed financing options, if there are remaining start-up costs that are not covered, VR can provide up to $6000 in start-up funds. Documentation must be in the file of personal/family resources explored and grants/loans that were applied for.  
4. Assistive technology services (disability related expenses), self-employment consultant and business services are all part of the Business Plan Implementation.  They are not considered small business start-up items and are not included in the funding limit in Rule 72 for small business start-up expenses. 
5. Once the Business Plan is completed, the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator coordinates a meeting with the client and the VR team and other providers as appropriate to ensure the following criteria are discussed during the meeting:

• The business idea or concept is sound, based on an appraisal of similar ventures and their result.
• There is a market for the goods or services to be provided by the business based on an appraisal of the market for the goods or services, market competition, and the recipient’s market strategy.
• The business venture is financially sound based on an assessment of initial start-up costs, credit and financing availability, and pro forma cash flow and profit/loss statements.
• The recipient will be able to manage and operate the business based on the consistency between the requirements of the business and the recipient’s unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests.

       5. The VR Self-Employment Specialist develops the IPE if the above criteria are met AND the client and VR agree to business plan. Both agree on a targeted net monthly income. 

       6.  VR responsibilities are specified in the IPE.  Client responsibilities are also outlined in the IPE, including submitting receipts and completing the required monthly targeted income information with the Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator.

1. 7. VR Self-Employment Specialist authorizes the appropriate business start-up costs, skill training and/or disability related costs as described in the Business Plan and the ATP report if appropriate.  

     8.  Upon completion of purchase of start-up items and the business is operating at the targeted monthly income (this can take a significant amount of time), ensure the job is entered in QE2 and place the individual in employment follow-up.

Business Plan Implementation

1. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will support the client and monitor the client’s progress during the implementation process.
2. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will refer and advocate for the client to other business funding sources.
3. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will problem solve with the client any business related barriers encountered.
4. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will coordinate with the VR Self-Employment Specialist any ATP accommodations.
5. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will ensure any training or supports needed are implemented, in conjunction with the VR Self-Employment Specialist.
6. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator and Self-Employment Specialist will coordinate with the client and Benefits Planner, if appropriate.
7. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator will coordinate with the VR marketing team to ensure the new business is marketed to appropriate customers.
8. The VR Self Employment Specialist or Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator has a minimum of weekly contact during this period.
9. All of the above services will be documented in QE2 as they occur.

Business Monitoring

1. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator follows up with business owner to review business process to provide assistance, to address problems and to ensure the new business is progressing as planned.
2. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator and Self-Employment Specialist have a minimum of monthly communication with business owner.
3. Client reports the monthly income business is producing.
4. Monitors the Target Net Monthly Income Goal. This targeted income goal can be revised if agreed upon by the client, VR Self-Employment Specialist and Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator.
5. The monthly contact is recorded in the file along with the copy of the financial reports.
6. The Statewide Self-Employment Coordinator notifies VR Specialist of progress as needed.
7. Document all progress in QE2.

Successful Closure

1. The client submits the monthly financial statement. When the client reaches the Target Net Monthly Income Goal, an outcome may be considered.
2. If a client is unable to reach the Target Net Monthly Goal but stabilizes at a lower income level for a minimum of 3 months, a successful outcome may be considered if the client is in agreement.
3. For reporting purposes in QE2 never exceed 40 hours for the number of hours the individual is working during the week.
4. VR Self-Employment Specialist must have a conversation with client prior to closure, informing them of our RSA guidelines to follow up with client six months after case closure and obtain written documentation of current financial status of business, and 12 months after closure to determine they still own the business.  

Process- Maintaining an Existing Business

• When an existing business owner applies for services in order to maintain their business, we are limited to ONLY providing disability related support such as assistive technology, etc, that helps to stabilize their position in the business.  There are no start-up funds provided in this circumstance, as the business has already been established.  
• For Maintaining an Existing Business, they need to be at least a co-owner AND actively working in the business.  As a co-owner, often the duties are divided among the partners, so discuss what specific duties each partner performs to determine the separate and shared duties. Partners will need to be involved in the assessment process, work site accommodation, and possible financial contribution, if they will also benefit from the accommodations. 
• Program financial assistance is available for assistive technology, adaptive devices, specialized equipment, and /or job site modifications which compensate for limitations resulting from a disability and to assist the individual to maintain their self-employment and normal duties within the business.  
• Business is referred for a Viability study to determine stability of business.  This will include a review of the three most recent years of business tax returns.
• If business is determined to be viable, then above listed disability related supports can be explored, in order to maintain the client in their current position and responsibilities within the business.  
• The VR Specialist is responsible to thoroughly explore the employment issues and provide an accurate account of the individual's situation. The focus needs to be on the specific difficulty the individual is experiencing with the job, rather than focusing on gathering information to justify a pre-conceived solution. This strategy will result in a clearer picture of the actual employment environment and appropriate accommodations can then be explored.
• The VR Specialist needs to document in the casefile the discussion with the client and address the following topics:
  • Identify the specific difficulty the individual is experiencing with the essential job duties.
  • Address how the essential job duties are currently being completed. Is this a long-term solution?
  • Discuss with the client what accommodations have been tried and the outcome.
  • Can the duties be reassigned?
  • Identify the specific service or equipment needed to prevent the immediate loss of employment.
  • Assess if the requested services or equipment will enable the client to perform the job independently or will continued supports/assistance still be required?
  • Will the requested services or equipment solve all or only part of the essential job tasks? How will the remaining tasks be completed?
  • Could there be other solutions?
  • Inform the individual VR needs to consider the least cost option?
  • Address the client's ability to fund the service or equipment in whole or part. 
  • Is the individual able to maintain the upkeep of the requested equipment, if necessary?
  • What is the barrier - Does the individual need financial assistance and/or information and referral to proceed?
  • Do they appear to need additional services?
  • Address with the applicant: approval for services does not guarantee the funding of the requested item or service, as VR must provide the least cost option that meets the individual's needs.

• The Self-Employment Team must approve any request for expansion of an existing business. Approval will be based on whether expansion of the existing business is required to enable the recipient to earn a living wage.  
• A Viability Study will be completed to determine business stability.  A minimum of three years of the most recent business federal tax returns must be submitted as part of the Viability. 
• If the Viability Study is positive, a feasibility study on the expansion of the business must also be conducted.
• If approved, the requirements listed below for new business start-up expenses, expenses not allowed, and application of resources apply.  If business is less than one (1) year old, it is considered a new business start-up.
• Assistive technology services (disability related expenses), self-employment consultant and business services are all part of the Business Plan Implementation.  They are not considered small business start-up items and are not included in the funding limit in Rule 72 for small business start-up expenses. 

New Business Start-Up Expenses 

Expenses related to starting a new business include the following and are limited to an establishment period not to exceed six (6) months, unless approved by the Self-Employment Team.

• Occupational licenses, franchise fees, and business permits including those required by any unit of state or local government.
• Tools and equipment.
• Stocks and supplies.
• Operating costs such as rent, utilities, business liability insurance and advertising.
• Vehicle acquisition.
• Professional technical support, including but not limited to legal and accounting (such as Quickbooks training).

Expenses Not Allowed

Program financial assistance cannot be used for:

• Purchase of land or buildings; or
• Construction, renovation, or remodeling of buildings or space to be used.

Application of resources 

The recipient must first apply personal and/or family resources and all financing available through grants or loans to the required business start-up expenses. Program assistance is available for the remaining business start-up expenses, up to the limit in Appendix B.   After exhausting all the above listed financing options, if there are REMAINING start-up costs that are not covered, VR can provide up to $6000 in start-up funds.  Documentation must be in the file of personal/family resources explored and which grants/loans were applied for and the result of those applications. 

• Program assistance is available for the remaining business start-up expenses, up to the limit in Rule 72 ($6000). Examples of specific loan financiers available to individuals with disabilities include:
  • Nebraska Alternative Financing Program (Administered by Easter Seals)
  • Nebraska Telework Loan Program (Administered by Easter Seals)
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP)
  • GROW Nebraska
  • Farm Service Agencies
  • US Department of Agriculture
  • Veteran's Administration