**Outside Front Panel: [Graphic of person placing an “open for business sign” in window]. Iowa Self–Employment [Graphic of IVRS logo] Our vision is to provide quality, expert, client-centered services to Iowans with disabilities that embrace diversity, promote successful business ownership and result in self-sufficiency and economic development. **Inside Left Panel: [graphic of a chef chopping food] WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL STRATEGIES THAT DIRECTLY IMPROVE YOUR COMPANY’S SUCCESS. “It is not always an easy process to create a new working life that suits not only one’s disabilities, but also takes into consideration family, community and personal goals. However, clients share finding the process and outcomes as extraordinarily fulfilling, both personally and economically. We don’t always know where we will end up, but the finalized plan and proposals almost always represent a far greater dream and attainable goal than where we started.” Debbie Grace IVRS Rehabilitation Counselor **Inside Middle Panel: IOWA SELF-EMPLOYMENT (ISE) PROGRAM Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) is a program designed for clients of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) or Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB), whose vocational goal is self-employment. This program is administered by IVRS and works in partnership with IDB. Following eligibility and self-employment assessment, a referral may be sent to ISE personnel. ISE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA -Have a qualifying disability that results in a barrier to employment. -Demonstrate knowledge, skills, ability and interest to own, operate, and actively manage a business. -At least 51% ownership in an appropriate, legal and for-profit Iowa-based business. -An employment plan that outlines a goal to achieve economic independence. -An approved ISE program application. WHAT WE DO/HOW WE DO IT ISE works with the IVRS/IDB counselor and professional staff to outline a plan of action to assess an individual’s qualifications, the business idea and feasibility that facilitates development of the business plan. A client may be eligible to receive Technical Assistance (TA) and/or Financial Assistance (FA). [Graphic of puzzle piece containing the word “Planning.”] **Inside Right Panel: [graphic of a person working with flowers in a floral shop] Long recognized as serving Iowans with disabilities, IVRS began expanding self-employment options in 2007. ISE has helped many individuals in various occupations such as: Accident Reconstructionist Auto Repair Carpentry Chiropractic Construction Consulting Engineering Equine Assisted Therapy Exotic Animal Breeder Tax Services Taxidermy Veterinary Medicine Videographer Woodworking “A key to the success of my firm was formed from the professional advice and services offered through the Self-Employment program.” Kristopher R. Kunze, PE KCL Engineering Des Moines, Iowa **Outside Left Panel: WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS ACCORDING TO THE IMPACT WE HAVE IN DRIVING YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD. Through Iowa Self-Employment (ISE), entrepreneurs may receive technical and/or financial assistance to start, expand or acquire a business. ISE offers orientations, business consultation, counseling services, and opportunities to collaborate with other professionals. “Empowering clients to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality while doing what I do best, every day. It just doesn’t get any better than that!” Dennis Bogenrief, MBA ISE Business Development Specialist [graphic of person standing outside a storefront] **Outside Back Middle Panel: IS THE IOWA SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU? Contact us today to find out! IVRS Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) program 510 East 12th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319 515.281.4211V/TTY 800.532.1426 IVRS Toll-Free 515.281.5474 Fax VRSelfEmployment@iowa.gov OUR PARTNER Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) 524 Fourth Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2364 515.281.1333 Local Phone 515.281.1355 TTY 800.362.2587 Toll-Free 515.281.1263 Fax information@blind.state.ia.us Finding solutions. Generating success. www.ivrs.iowa.gov