Self-Employment Overview
Self-Employment may be considered in
the wide array of employment options available for eligible
clients of Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) and the Iowa
Department for the Blind (IDB). It is not an
appropriate goal for everyone so it is
essential that a client is well-informed of potential risks, and efforts are
made to minimize those risks when considering the IVRS/IDB
Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) program.
ISE is designed for the IVRS/IDB
client whose goal is complete self-sufficiency through the operation of a business. Self-employment is a vocational option available only to
profit-making businesses intended for operation within the State of Iowa. Because the purpose of ISE is to support an employment
outcome that will significantly contribute to a client’s self-sufficiency,
individuals who are not interested in achieving that level of economic
independence are encouraged to explore opportunities through the Medicaid
Infrastructure or similar types of quality-of-life venues. ISE requires 51 percent ownership by the client in a
for-profit business that is actively owned, operated and managed in Iowa.
The entire Self-Employment process
should be a joint venture between Rehabilitation
Clients and Counselors, in collaboration with IVRS Business Development
Specialists. Other individuals such as IVRS/IDB Supervisors and Administrators,
along with consultants and or service providers, vendors and those responsible
for providing financial or technical support may also be involved. Communication between the client and IVRS
representatives is an ongoing process and is essential to ensure common
understanding of the intricacies of self-employment.
ISE is a tiered system in which an eligible client is afforded an opportunity to
explore options before actual business planning begins. Continued involvement in this program can be
considered as the client progresses through each step outlined in the five step
Self-Employment process.
Funding for Self-Employment is allocated
by the Iowa legislature and consistent with
the authorized use of Title 1 Vocational Rehabilitation funds and policy. Financial assistance may be awarded based
upon demonstrated need and evidence of business progression. A client must provide a dollar-for-dollar match
of the funds requested to start, expand or acquire a business up to a maximum of $10,000.
Technical assistance funds may be used for specialized consulting
services as determined necessary up to a maximum of $10,000 per applicant.
From October 1, 2007 through
September 30, 2011, there have been 141 successful businesses assisted through
ISE after funds were awarded to support
business operations for IVRS/IDB clients. Click here to view a map of
businesses.
Examples of businesses assisted by
the ISE program include the following:
Accident Re-constructionist
Auto Repair
Carpentry
Chiropractic/Wellness
Chiropractor
Coffee Shop
Construction
Consulting
|
Cosmetology
Custom Air Brush Service
Day Care
Dog Breeder
Doggie Daycare
Exotic Animal Breeder
Furniture Finisher
Optical Finisher
|
Over-The-Road Trucker Photographer
Shuttle Services
Sound Technician
Stained Glass Manufacturer
Tax Services
Taxidermy
Woodworking
|