Self-Employment Services for
Persons with Disabilities

Succeed with Support
On the Sunshine Coast this program is offered by
Community Futures Development Corporation of the Sunshine Coast
#205 – 5710 Teredo Street, Sechelt BC

Self Employment as an Employment Option
We will work with you to assess whether self-employment is the right option for you.

Orientation and Self Assessment will give you an overview of the typical opportunities and challenges facing individuals who are self-employed. You will be able to assess your self-employment aptitude, capacity and suitability.

Entrepreneurial and Business Viability Assessment will give you a chance to evaluate your business concept and readiness as an entrepreneur. It begins the work of the business plan, and the information you gather will be carried forward into the business planning stage. You will be able to assess personal factors you need for success in operating a business, assess whether your business idea will work and determine what training courses you need in order to complete your business plan and start your business.

Who is Eligible?

• If you are someone designated by the Ministry of Human Resources as a person with Persistent, Multiple Barriers to Employment (PPMB);
• If you are someone designated by the Ministry of Human Resources as a Person with Disability (PWD);
• If you are a person with a disability who is not reliant on Ministry of Human Resources support
  Call Diane Hill at Community Futures 604-885-1959 for more information and to find out how you can participate in this program.

Program Outline
a) Obtain a referral to Orientation and Entrepreneur and Business Viability Assessment from M. Magas and Associates 604-885-7443.

b) You have 6 months to determine if self employment is for you, attend training and work with a business coach to complete a business plan. Business plan training will provide insight into how to conduct effective Business research for business start-up preparation. It helps you to focus and “flesh out” your business idea and determines whether your product or service is wanted, what it will cost to produce and how viable is it in the local market. You will obtain crucial knowledge for business start-up and enhanced business successfulness and a plan to put it into action.

c) Once your business plan is complete, you will have 12 months of program training and support to launch your business. You will receive training and business coaching to effectively start your business, including business skills, communications and lifestyle management. Doing business training options and individualized coaching, will provide you with the specific skills you need to successfully operate your business. We also include help to develop a Wellness Plan and wellness supports, so you can build contingency plans to protect your business from possible downturns in health.

FACT: A study of entrepreneurs with disabilities found that “people with disabilities are almost twice as likely as others to be self-employed”.
- Paths to Equal Opportunity – Business Case for Accessibility. Bill Wilkerson November 2001.

If you have considered self-employment or are currently self-employed and would like to be more successful, consider finding out more. Once you find you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur and you would like to get into business/do business better you can be referred to training and supports to get you there.

Training, Business Launch & Supports, Business Lifestyle Development
Training may include:

• Business Plan design & writing
• Financial Management and Bookkeeping
• Market Research and Marketing
• Business Communications
• Goal setting, Strategic planning, Time Management and Stress Management
• Courses specific to your business needs
  
  Business Launch & Supports include:

• Business plan review, acceptance into the program
• Training and business coaching to implement your business plan
• Regular meetings to review, report on progress and attainment of your goals
• Reviews of cash flow and financial information
• Problem solving with your business coach

Business Lifestyle Development includes some or all of the following:

• Business visits
• Mentoring
• Peer coaching
• Touchback sessions
• Incorporation of Wellness Management into business lifestyle

BCEA Regulation Orientation & Twelve-Month Income Reviews
If you are a BCEA recipient we can assist you with:

• BCEA Regulations for Self-Employment
• Review of Income and Asset Reporting obligations
• Ministry forms – Self-Employment Program Client Monthly Report

In addition to the traditional areas of business development, we will focus on your capacity to adapt and grow. You’re already resilient and resourceful – you’ve had to become that as a result of living with disability. Building your business to fit your needs will use these same qualities. We encourage you to identify and build on your personal assets, applying your adaptability and problem-solving skills toward endeavors that increase self-determination, satisfaction and financial freedom.

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