JAN is a service of the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Disability Employment Policy. 1 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 Incorporated Larry 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 2

Presenters Kim Cordingly, JAN Lead Consultant - Self-Employment Russell Sickles, Job Squad, Inc. Director of Operations and Business Development Brian Connaughton, Job Squad, Inc. Community Economic Development Manager Larry Batten, U.S. Small Business Administration 3

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 4

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 5

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. 6

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? Its in the numbers… Attuned to economic environment of local communities Experiences from the field… 7

Flavors of Self-Employment Defining customized employment… Sole proprietorship Business within a business Partnership Franchise Independent contracting/freelancing Home-based business Cooperative Hybrid business – for-profit/non-profit 8

Funding/Resource Ownership Traditional Funding Bank Loans Personal savings SBA loan guarantees (not microloan program) Economic development funds Venture capital Credit unions Credit cards Innovative Funding Microloans (e.g., compensating balance) Use of Social Security work incentives (e.g., PASS Plan) Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Crowdfunding Disability programs 9

Funding/Resource Ownership Resource ownership is a mutually beneficial process of acquiring materials, equipment, or skills that, when matched to a job seekers interests and customer needs, generates profits for the employer and wages for the employee. 10

Economic Development Component Benefits to Small, Rural Communities Strong reliance of small business ownership for job growth Small business monies tend to stay in the community Self-employment essential to developing local economies Provides an infrastructure for medium to larger businesses Fosters strong relationships and social capital 11

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 12

Customized Self-Employment Profiles Sole Proprietorship: Raymond Veteran and beekeeper Full-time wage employment Hobby business Family participation 13

Customized Self-Employment Profiles Franchise Owner: Kathy Veteran Pampered Chef Accommodation opportunities Franchise advantages 14

Customized Self-Employment Profiles Business Within a Business: Connie Limited work history Wage employment at non-employer Social capital Resource ownership 15

Customized Self-Employment Profiles Business Within a Business: Eddie No work history/labor market PASS/Secured loan Resource ownership 16

Ask questions! 17

Contact Us! Contact Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (800) (V) & (877) (TTY) AskJAN.org & Job Squad, Inc. (304) Small Business Administration (SBA) SBA Answer Desk: (800)