Audio Conference on The Self Employment Option

                                                                                                                                                              Conference held March 30, 2001             Facilitator:  Ron Broome  rbroome@anch.net 

22 participants Statewide,  3 guests from the  Univ. of Montana s Rural Institute on Disabilities

The following is a sampling of some of the remarks during the 90 minute audio conference on self employment for people with disabilies.  Apologies for the delay in getting this information out to you.  The crash of my computer s hard drive is the leading, but not total, cause for the delay.

Opening remarks by Cary Griffin of the Univ. of Montana:

There are many positive signs relating to the growth of the self employment option, such as

• Many V.R. agencies are addressing the issue  When does case closure occur in self employment.
• The Department of Labor continues to show support for  self employment efforts.
• The National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils is showing increased interest in the self employment option.  They are reviewing issues relating to the nature of the needed supports.

Some of the challenges include

• The lack of capacity in local agencies.
• Unwillingness to fully honor the choice principle.
• Reverting to traditional evaluation methods for self employment candidates.

Some current micro-enterprise ventures from around the State, heard at varying times during the conference:

• In Bethel, sale and delivery of fresh fry bread. 
• In Kodiak, sale of Alutiiq masks, one of which was sold to the Smithsonian; sale of Alutiiq home remedies, including seal oil soap. 
• In Anchorage, collection and sale of wooden shipping pallets, and manufacture and sale of decorative garden stones.

Our guests from the University of Montana, Cary Griffin, Roger Shelley, and Mike Garrety passed on some practical business development tips, based on their experience with more than 80 start-up businesses:

• In a Business Plan, the Mission Statement should be short and very direct. Can you tell me what your business is?  
• Some key questions to address in the Executive Summary : Supports he/she expects; short term goals; and the market niche he/she anticipates filling.
• The Marketing Plan is the is the most critical element in determining the success of a business.  Who will buy my product or service?   How can I get the word out, with a limited amount of capital?   Can my product or service be copied?
• In Alaska , the principle of import substitution may be utilized.  What products that are being shipped in, can be produced locally?
• A useful approach for small business start-up is often to have a first, second, and  third year plan.  Incremental growth is often advisable.  Markets can be expanded and broadened.
• A few internet resources:  buyalaska.com   Free referral and product source materials.  Worldshopper.org   A web site, shopping network that is under construction, but may be a placement for native art.  Owner is a leader in the disabilities field.
• Community networking is important to obtain information, leads, and supports.  SCORE (Retired business executives) in the larger cities, Kiwanis, Rotary, and even people in the same or allied businesses can offer to help you find your niche.

 Some wrap up goals:

• A one day workshop in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center. Essentials in Small Business Start Up.    Is in the planning stage.  This workshop which utilizes local business professionals as presenters is a standard monthly workshop at the SBDC.  We hope to modify the workshop a bit to address some of the needs of entrepreneurs with disabilities.  The effect on benefits and Social Security work incentives would be addressed in the modified workshop.  Let me know about your interest in this workshop.  There is a minimum group size that we will need. 
• Participants expressed interest  in continued state-wide self employment networking.  We will explore adding information on some existing web pages, and will continue to mail out this type of informational bulletin.  We will also pursue funding to offer audio conferences on an 800 number basis.

We hope that you will continue to share your success stories and your support  needs as we strive to move forward with the self employment option.
 
Please contact Ron Broome if you are interested in being notified of upcoming workshops or teleconferences regarding self-employment options for people with disabilities!!
 
Ron Broome rbroome@anch.net