Overview:
Self-employment can be an attractive work option for people with disabilities. Self-employment provides flexibility in work schedules and locations. It may help to solve transportation problems. It also may help a person to pursue a passion or an interest that is not easily translated into wage work.
For persons interested in getting assistance with formulating plans, developing a business and / or identifying resources, the best place to start is with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR can assist in evaluating self employment ideas and in providing service to help develop self employment plans. Take a look at Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Self-Employment Business Startup Toolkit.
Below are information and resources for persons interested in exploring self-employment as a work option.
Self-Employment Income and Social Security Benefits
Social Security regards income from self-employment differently than income from wage work. There are also self-employment work incentives designed to help protect benefits for individuals who engage in self-employment. More information about Self-Employment Income and Social Security Benefits…
Self Employment Resources:
- Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Self-Employment Business Startup Toolkit.
- Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, and Training: Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, & Training (START-UP / USA) is a partnership between Virginia Commonwealth University and Griffin-Hammis and Associates, LLC. This is a very comprehensive website that provides technical assistance and resources nationally to individuals with disabilities interested in pursuing self-employment. This includes the live web cast series with successful entrepreneurs who share their secrets for success.
- T-TAP Q & A Fact Sheet on Self-Employment: A Customized Employment Outcome.
- Finding the Passion: Person-centered approaches in small business for individuals with significant disabilities (Cary Griffin and Dave Hammis).
- Small Business and Self-Employment for People with Disabilities: Office of Disability Employment Policy.
- Business Owners Toolkit: Information on Starting Your Business, Planning Your Business, Getting Financing, Marketing Your Product, Winning Government Contracts, Your Office and Equipment, People Who Work for You, Managing Your Business Finances, Controlling Your Taxes, Building Your Personal Wealth, Protecting Your Assets, and Getting Out of Your Business.
- Rural Institute: Self-Employment for People with Disabilities.
- Griffin and Hammis FAQs on Self-Employment and other resources.
- 2008 Self-Employment Webcast Series from the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. The SBA helps start, build and grow businesses. Online training opportunities.
- Wisconsin Worknet Business Tools: Information on how to start, expand, relocate, or close a business in Wisconsin. On this page check out the variety of programs and grant resources available to assist with your business needs.
- Alaska Works Initiative Microenterprise Resource Guide: This site provides information to help you decide if self-employment is a good path for you. Resources are presented to help you find out more about your business idea. There is also a guide to helpful internet resources for business development.
- Self Employment Planning Resource: Developed by the North Dakota Center for Person's with Disabilities with their Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) in 2004.
- WISCAP Virtual Business Incubator: A resource for potential business owners.
- AllBusiness.com's Guide to Setting Up a Bookkeeping System: A resource for potential business owners.
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