START UP | Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, & Training | Business Ownership for People with Disabilities

Upon determination that the consumer is eligible for VR services and self-employment has been selected as an employment goal, the VR counselor accompanies the consumer on a visit to an appropriate professional setting (small business development center, office of a business consultant/planner, or a certified public accountant’s office) to obtain guidance and assistance in the development of a viable business proposal. The consumer submits a completed agency generated form, Initial Proposal for a Self-Employment Business Project (VR-007), or a formal business plan so that the counselor will have sufficient information to analyze the probability of success of the project.

After submission of the VR-007/business plan, the counselor assembles a self-employment team (counselor, consumer, VR district manager, VR state business projects coordinator, SBA representative and/or small business consultant associated with chosen field of operation) to review the business proposal. The team provides a recommendation for approval/ disapproval of the proposal. If the proposal is disapproved, a written recommendation and suggestion for the conditions of approval is given to the consumer. If the proposal is approved, agency expenditures are allowed for initial costs of starting the business and may include: initial stock, merchandise, operating supplies, rent, utilities, business telephone, insurance, and advertisement. Expenditures cover a period not exceeding two months. For expenses which require a twelve-month payment, lease, and/or deposit, the agency is only responsible for a pro-rata share (two months or 1/6th) of the expenses. Agency funds are not utilized for purchase/rental/insurance coverage of: land, permanent building(s), or motorized vehicles including motorized farm equipment used for transportation.

A pre-closure conference is held with the consumer to determine if the business is profitable, if the consumer has additional needs now, or will need post-employment services. If profits are determined to be adequate and if no immediate problems are foreseen, the case is closed as rehabilitated.

Joyce White, MS/CRC
Business Projects Coordinator
MS Department of Rehabilitation Services
Post Office Box 1698
Jackson, MS 39215
(601) 853-5312