You can have a Piece of the American Dream
by Melena K. Tripp, Employment Specialist
Summit Independent Living Center
Individuals challenged with disabilities in America today often find the idea of self-employment an exciting possibility. Especially in rural America, self-employment may be one of the most realistic vocational goals for those with disabilities who want their piece of the American dream.
Summit Independent Living Center's dream has been to provide individuals with disabilities with the option of self-employment. This has been accomplished, in part, as a result of The Rural Institute's Training Department capacity building Montana Rural Employment Initiative (MREI). With a cash grant to us and extensive training and technical assistance, we have established a program to provide information and referral, evaluation of business feasibility, advocacy, and other supports to entrepreneurs.
The centerpiece of our self-employment program is the Business Assessment Scale (BAS). The BAS is a tool available to help define self-employment goals for those with disabilities. The BAS provides an early assessment of an individual's support needs related to establishing and successfully operating a business. Once the Assessment is used, the real work of putting together a business and financial plan and supports begins.
Summit consults with consumers referred by Montana Vocational Rehabilitation services (MVR), to help determine the best approaches to self-employment by persons with disabilities.
The intent of the BAS is not to disallow self-employment for an individual, but instead to provide MVR necessary background information regarding the consumer. Additionally, the BAS provides the consumer with insight into his/her individual abilities and weaknesses. From these data, a potential business goal is developed and brought to fruition.
The BAS uses a numerical scale, from which individual business aptitudes are assessed. The assessment is accomplished by examining five main areas of business acumen, including:
- management expertise/skills,
- commitment/desire/persistence,
- technical skill/work experience,
- market demand, and
- personal credit/financial solvency.
The information gathered provides a cumulative score that calculates the feasibility of self-employment at a particular time. This information is helpful to the individual and his/her vocational rehabilitation counselor, as an assessment of the consumer's background and aptitude for a given business goal.
This information helps determine necessary training, resources, and other pertinent assistance required for the individual to realize a self-employment goal. Moreover, the data may suggest a delay of the self-employment goal, until the individual is better supported in pursuing his or her interest.
The individual being assessed assists in the interview process. Remember to:
- Define your business goal.
- Be prepared to answer many questions.
- Engage rigorous research to learn product or service demand in a particular market, or geographical area.
- Know your capabilities. "To thine own-self, be true."
- Be prepared to learn how to effectively write a business plan that will be presented to your vocational rehabilitation counselor, banker, or potential venture capitalist.
- When writing your plan, remember to cover Who, What, Where, Why, and How.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions—there is no such thing as a stupid question.
- Be prepared to immerse yourself into your business venture.
- Be prepared for any eventuality, by having the possibility of multiple approaches to solving problems.
- Do not take your examiner's questions personally. They are designed only to examine your capabilities and aptitudes and shape your business goal.
Indeed, self-employment is a rewarding lifestyle. However, it behooves the individual to make informed decisions, be dedicated, demonstrate skills, and be prepared for long-term hard work. Additionally, be prepared for potential economic changes. The bottom line is simple: Opportunity is aplenty!