Entrepreneurial Awareness

SSIC  Founded 2006 – sf – 27 tenants – 300 clients – 1,000 people engaged with us in the community  We are grant-funded. Programs are WISE WBC; EAP; PRIME  Clients are from every demographic, but we focus also on minorities, disabled, poor, women  General philosophy is Inclusive Entrepreneurship, of which Entrepreneurial Awareness is the first step  Founded 2006 – sf – 27 tenants – 300 clients – 1,000 people engaged with us in the community  We are grant-funded. Programs are WISE WBC; EAP; PRIME  Clients are from every demographic, but we focus also on minorities, disabled, poor, women  General philosophy is Inclusive Entrepreneurship, of which Entrepreneurial Awareness is the first step

History of EA / IE  Ported from Disability Community – Supported Work  Developed with Burton Blatt Institute for StartUP-NY  If we can use for jobs, why not for entrepreneurship?  If we can use for the individuals with disabilities, why not for non-disabled population?  Ported from Disability Community – Supported Work  Developed with Burton Blatt Institute for StartUP-NY  If we can use for jobs, why not for entrepreneurship?  If we can use for the individuals with disabilities, why not for non-disabled population?

Definition A process of gathering objective information that assists the person:  Identify strengths, limitations, interests, & supports  Compile information into a useful format & determine how/if business idea(s) could be successful for them  Based on life experiences, tests/ evaluations/ assessments A process of gathering objective information that assists the person:  Identify strengths, limitations, interests, & supports  Compile information into a useful format & determine how/if business idea(s) could be successful for them  Based on life experiences, tests/ evaluations/ assessments

Purpose The information is used by the person to: 1.Make an informed decision about whether to pursue the business-- 2.Identify whether the original idea for the design of the business needs to be redesigned 3.Identify needed supports, & whether they can be accessed or if others will need to be identified/ developed The information is used by the person to: 1.Make an informed decision about whether to pursue the business-- 2.Identify whether the original idea for the design of the business needs to be redesigned 3.Identify needed supports, & whether they can be accessed or if others will need to be identified/ developed

Methodology Identify “What works for me?” & "What Doesn't Work“ to get a clearer picture of business options... What do I like to do? / What don't I like to do? Who can help me with "less desirable" business tasks? (Family, Friends, Community) What skills and support do I need? (MS Office, HR, records, management, etc) What sorts of bumps in the road might I encounter? What do I want customers/clients to experience from my business? (Five Senses – what clients feel, hear, see, taste, smell) The answers help clients get an honest view, allowing them to focus on what they’re good at, what they like, and enjoy themselves in business! Identify “What works for me?” & "What Doesn't Work“ to get a clearer picture of business options... What do I like to do? / What don't I like to do? Who can help me with "less desirable" business tasks? (Family, Friends, Community) What skills and support do I need? (MS Office, HR, records, management, etc) What sorts of bumps in the road might I encounter? What do I want customers/clients to experience from my business? (Five Senses – what clients feel, hear, see, taste, smell) The answers help clients get an honest view, allowing them to focus on what they’re good at, what they like, and enjoy themselves in business!

Process Life History Experiences & Ambitions Skills Strengths Gifts Supports What Works What Doesn’t Plan Next Steps Gather Info Decide Business Options Identify Resources for Business Support

Skills & Supports Business Skills I Can Do This I Need These Supports Who Can Help Bookkeeping Managing Inventory Ordering Supplies Producing the Product/Service Customer Service Record Keeping Sales Marketing & Promotion Establish and Maintain a Work Schedule Managing Cash and Checks

Places – HOWI HOME RacketballCoffee Shop School Classes Church, Affinity Group

Addressing Obstacles Trigger (example: I lose my temper easily when someone criticizes my work) How it Affects My Work and Life How I Dealt with it in the Past Better Ways to deal with it in the Future Who can Support Me? Because you can’t separate your personal life from your business

‘Stages of Entrepreneurship’ STAGE I Entrepreneurial Awareness Orientation & business concept development Self-assessment, Team Building & Entrepreneurial Awareness ‘Go/No-Go decision STAGE II Nascent Entrepreneur Market research Business concept Development Business training Networking STAGE IV Sustained Growth Profitability Expansion STAGE III Early Start UP Business planning Market research Financing/accounting