Self Employment Guiding Principles & Steps to Success Financial Support for The Texas Customized Self-Employment Project is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds* made by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. *($112,704) (78%) DD funds; ($32,019) (22%) non-federal resources

Why People Choose Self Employment  To more closely meet their work dreams and goals  To supply their own accommodations  Better level of income and control of benefits  Opportunity

What People Need for Self Employment  Transportation  Equipment  Training  On-going technical assistance  Marketing & logistical strategies  Business management services

The Difference Between Self Employment & Entrepreneurship  No increasing equity in a business  Initially, no employees  May be a partnership  Resource ownership to qualify for a “created” job  No business plan

Step 1: Finding the Dream  Utilize person-centered or “strengths based” techniques to establish interests, experience or resources  Gather information concerning strengths and interests in trying various business options

Step 2: Developing Supports & Accommodations  Employment team members often supply supports or resources for supports  Supports may include:  Business planning  Market development  Training  Transportation

Step 3: The Product  What exactly are you selling to make money?  Initially may be dictated by person’s interests, background, and values  Modification of product may be dictated by logistics, markets or expenses

Step 4: Marketing  Importance of selecting initial customer population  Importance of planning in reaching the target customer  Importance of modification of strategy as business activity progresses

Step 5: Pricing  Combat low valuation of the person’s time and contribution to the employment endeavor  May begin with a survey of similar business’ prices, if appropriate  Pay yourself enough!!

Step 6: Funding Your Dream  Do you have the $$  Personal savings  SSA Work Incentives (PASS)  Family members  Organizational investors  Micro business loans  Special economic development grants