Self-Employment Program

The Self-Employment Program administered by Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services is designed to support job candidates with disabilities whose vocational goal is self-employment. The program assists job candidates being served by VR Services and Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB).

While most VR services focus on helping job candidates obtain employment with an existing business, the self-employment program offers specialized technical assistance to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve self-sufficiency and work at their optimum level by starting or expanding their own business. Referrals to the program are made by VR or IDB counselors.

What Kind of Businesses Are Eligible?

To qualify for assistance, businesses must be owned by an individual with a disability and meet the following requirements:

• Operate as a for-profit business
• Be located in Iowa
• Demonstrate the ability to be self-sustaining and profitable

Independent contractors and freelancers are also eligible for the self-employment program. While the program supports a wide range of businesses, it does not support:

• Non-profits
• Multi-level marketing ventures
• Illegal enterprises of any kind
• Businesses that conflict with community standards.

What Kind of Assistance Does the Self-Employment Program Provide?

The self-employment program provides critical technical assistance to help an individual with a disability develop and grow their business. Support can include legal or accounting assistance, website development, and graphic design or marketing consultation.

Self-Employment Counselors meet one-on-one with the individual to develop a comprehensive business plan and determine the appropriate needs of the business. Assistance begins with initial business planning and consulting, and continues through to successful case closure.

When specialized assistance is determined necessary beyond the expertise of the self-employment counselor, professional consultation services can be purchased to support the business's development.

Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance (TA) is used to purchase specialized services that are above the expertise of the Self-Employment Counselor. Some common uses for these funds are: 

• Legal assistance
• Accounting support and set up
• Website development
• Graphic design
• Marketing consultation 

Up to $7,000 in technical assistance may be available, based on the assessed start-up needs of the business.

Getting Started with Self-Employment

To pursue self-employment assistance, individuals must first apply for and be determined eligible for either VR or IDB services. To begin this process, please contact your local VR office or IDB office. 

After connecting, your assigned VR or IDB counselor can help you explore your business's options and find out if self-employment is the right strategy for your career success.

If you need additional assistance, please call us at (515) 281-4211 to be referred to an VR counselor in your area. People who are blind or severely visually impaired should contact the Iowa Department for the Blind at (800) 362-2587.

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