Supported Self-Employment

The supported self-employment process unites person-centered planning strategies with the development of a business plan, to assist individuals with the most significant disabilities in establishing and maintaining a small business. This service is intended for consumers who require intensive services and long-term supports to successfully operate a business.

The supported self-employment process focuses on identifying the consumer's strengths, interests, support needs, and business goals while developing an individualized business that is both feasible and sustainable. Consumers are actively involved throughout the planning and implementation process to the greatest extent possible based on their strengths, abilities, capabilities, and informed choice.

For many consumers with disabilities, including those who require long-term supports, supported self-employment provides an opportunity to achieve employment through business ownership while maximizing choice, independence, and community participation. This service is not intended to support or establish a hobby but should be delivered to support the establishment of a business to meet required competitive integrated employment verifiable wages.

Supported self-employment provides opportunities for:

• Choice and control
• Use of natural skills, interests, and talents
• Expanded work opportunities
• Increased independence and creative freedom
• Expanded employment opportunities
• Development of a sustainable small business

This service also includes independent contractors and follows the process outlined in the DVR Supported Self-Employment Toolkit. The toolkit provides detailed guidance for DVR staff and consumers throughout the supported self-employment process.

General Requirements

The business planning team will determine transition to long-term supports following consumer stability. The consumer, or guardian if applicable, should submit wage verification as described.

Invoices for services should be submitted as described on the Authorization for Services, also referred to as the Purchase Order. Invoices must be received by DVR within 60 days of completion of the service. Properly submitted invoices will be paid within 30 days of receipt when reports and services have been delivered and accepted as specified.

Summary of Services

This table outlines allowable services, associated rates, deliverables, and expected timeframes for Supported Self-Employment services. Timeframes should be followed unless otherwise agreed by DVR staff and applicable parties. There may be some differences in completion times for each step based on the individual needs of the consumer and the business. Communication with all partners is important to the successful delivery of the service.

Reimbursement for Service Provider Mileage: Service Providers may request reimbursement for actual miles driven over 100 miles round trip per trip to and from the closest site where the service can be provided. Mileage for the first 100 miles per trip is included in base fee rate for the service. Reimbursement will begin at mile 101 and is reimbursable at the rate of $0.75/mile. Prior approval from DVR WDA Management is required before travel occurs for any mileage reimbursement requests. A detailed travel log must be submitted with the provider's invoice, specifying the dates of travel, total miles driven per trip, and the services provided. Due to the nature and complexity of the service, different transportation funding can be individually negotiated to meet the needs of the consumer at the discretion of the WDA Director.

• Supported Employment Career Profile
• Discovery and Discovery Profile
• Self-Employment Concept Consultation and/or Technical Assistance
• Feasibility Analysis Report
• Business Plan Development Service and Business Plan Review Committee Presentation
• Business Plan Follow-up Report and/or Meeting
• Business Operations Consultation and Support

Supported Employment Career Profile

Service Overview

The Supported Employment Career Profile is a comprehensive, person-centered assessment for consumers considering Supported Employment services. The goal of this assessment is to identify the best job match for the consumer and the consumer's support needs based on their past performance, experience, and input from individuals familiar with the consumer. The Career Profile explores the consumer's employment goals, preferences, skills, experiences, support needs, and other factors, to inform job development and long-term employment planning. This assessment guides the DVR process and ensures alignment between the consumer, DVR, Service Provider, and LTC partners. As a part of the assessment, career exploration activities are informational and exploratory. The activities are intended to learn about potential jobs, workplaces, or industries and to guide employment planning. Consumers are not expected to perform work or tasks beyond observation and discussion.

Service Components

• DVR will provide a referral to the Service Provider (via email or phone/message). If an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) has been developed, the referral should include (with consumer permission):
  • Consumer's IPE goal
  • Preferred number of work hours per week
  • Summary of work experiences
  • Copy of consumer's benefits analysis, if applicable
  • Supported employment team contacts and contact information
  • Potential dates for a review meeting within 45 to 90 days
  • Any other relevant information for completing the Career Profile.
• Additional documentation may be collected during interviews as relevant to the Career Profile.
• The Service Provider may make recommendations regarding the consumer's readiness for regular Job Development, Supported Employment, or Customized Employment services.

Service Requirements

• Service Providers will hold several meetings (three or more) with the consumer and identified members of the supported employment team. One meeting may occur at the consumer's home or the provider's site (often for intake paperwork or initial orientation). The remaining meetings should take place in the community and include at least one structured career exploration activity, such as:
  • Visiting a workplace to observe the environment and the work.
  • Conducting an informational interview with a current employee or supervisor.
  • Completing an application or similar employment-related task.
  • Touring a workplace.
  • Other activities agreed upon by the consumer that support career exploration.
• Meetings and assessment activities should occur in formats appropriate to the consumer needs and circumstances, including integrated community settings, to observe interactions, identify strengths and barriers, and determine support needs.
• Conduct interviews with other individuals identified by the consumer who have knowledge of their past experiences, support strategies, and other resources to assist in long-term employment.
• Document input from interviews and observations to provide a detailed picture of the consumer to guide employment planning.
• Career exploration activities may be conducted using a variety of approaches, but at least one meeting must involve community-based observation or employer engagement activities as described above.
• Conduct a review meeting with the supported employment team (in person, virtual, or phone).
• Review contents and recommendations of the Career Profile and document communication and agreements from the meeting.
• The Career Profile Report includes space for signatures. While gathering signatures is preferred, it is not required.

Additional Considerations

• If a consumer had a previously completed Career Profile, it should be reviewed to determine whether updates are needed based on changes in the consumer's circumstances, support needs, or disability-related considerations.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

Required documentation for this service must be completed using the SE Career Profile Report (DVR-18033-E).

Discovery and Discovery Profile

Service Overview

The Discovery process develops information that translates a consumer's everyday activities into employment possibilities. Discovery seeks to answer a fundamental question: “Who is this person?” - in a descriptive, non-evaluative manner. Observations and interactions during Discovery aim to:

• Understand and identify individual skills, interests, and preferences.
• Identify potential job positions that match the consumer.
• Inform updates or amendments to the consumer's Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) with DVR.

Service Components

The Discovery Profile report is organized into three sections, providing the consumer, their family, DVR, and the employer with the information needed to develop a customized plan.

Part I: Intake Interview Summary

• Completed during a meeting held before Discovery begins.
• Summarizes essential facts about the consumer's life to guide the Discovery activities.
• Involves as many members of the consumer's employment team as possible, including:
  • DVR case facilitator
  • LTS representative
  • Consumer and guardian (if applicable)
  • DVR Service Provider

Part II: Profile of Discovery

• Offers the full profile of the consumer's life and abilities across multiple domains, including:
  • Family and home
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Life activities
  • Skill performance
• Developed through in-person meetings with the consumer:
  • At their home, and
  • In at least four (4) community locations selected in discussion with the consumer and stakeholders.
• Activities are chosen to let the consumer demonstrate their existing skills, interests, and abilities, focusing on areas they are familiar with or have prior experience with and interest in performing.

Part III: Plan Preparation Summary

• Summarizes and translates the information from Parts I and II into a document that prepares for a quality customized plan.
• Uses a narrative format, with the option to enhance the information by adding digital photos.
• Information from this section will be operationalized in the Customized Employment Job Development Plan.

Supported Employment (including Customized Employment) Team

• Services are provided as a team-based approach, with the DVR consumer at the center.
• Team composition is individualized, based on the consumer needs and preferences, typically including:
  • Consumer
  • Guardian (if applicable)
  • DVR case facilitator
  • Supported Employment DVR Service Provider
  • Family members
  • Representatives of entities providing funding and service coordination after DVR case closure.
  • Any additional individuals identified as supporting the consumer's employment goals.
• Team members should be identified and involved in the completion of the Career Profile/Discovery Profile.
• A meeting to review the Career Profile/Discovery Profile is required (in person, virtual, or phone) and scheduled using potential dates provided by DVR in the referral. During this meeting, the provider reviews the Profile report contents and recommendations with the team.

Note: If a consumer returns to DVR and a Discovery Profile was previously completed, it should be reviewed to see if another Discovery Profile is necessary

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

Required documentation for this service must be completed using the Discovery Profile Report (DVR-18010-E).

Self-Employment Concept Consultation and/or Technical Assistance

Service Overview

This service provides consultation and technical assistance to support a consumer in identifying a business concept or addressing specific questions that arise during the self-employment process and are not otherwise addressed through feasibility analysis or business plan development services.

This service may be used at any point during the self-employment process and is typically provided over two to four hours. Services should generally be completed within 30 days of authorization.

The consumer and DVR staff are expected to identify the reason(s) for referral and expected deliverables prior to authorization. These expectations should be documented in the comments section of purchase order. This service may be requested by the consumer or recommended by the VRC or VRS, following consultation with a subject matter expert (SME) and/or Director/Supervisor.

Once the need for this service has been identified, DVR staff will contact the provider selected by the consumer to discuss the requested service and anticipated number of hours needed for completion. DVR will provide referral information, including a case summary, other relevant referral information, and the specific service request. DVR staff will participate in meetings with the consumer and consultant, as appropriate.

Examples of this service include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the consumer in identifying a business concept.
• Assisting the consumer in applying for loans or grants.
• Providing guidance on local, state, and/or federal regulations or licensing requirements.
• Providing consultation on specific business issues, such accounting, legal, or market access questions.
• Assisting with access to technical services, such as website development, internet resources, or business software.

Service Requirements

The provider must:

• Contact the consumer within five (5) business days of receiving authorization and referral.
• Meet with the consumer (and DVR staff, as appropriate).
• Complete the requested consultation services and agreed upon deliverables within 30 business days.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

The written report must include:

• Date(s) of service
• Type of meeting,
• Method of contact,
• Description of interaction,
• Follow-up plan,
• Next steps,
• Any relevant supporting documentation

Feasibility Analysis Report

Service Overview

The purpose of the Feasibility Analysis Report is to determine whether the consumer's proposed business idea is a viable business venture and whether DVR should proceed with business plan development services.

The analysis should provide quality information to assist the consumer and DVR in making informed decisions about the proposed business idea. The consumer is expected to be an active partner throughout this process.

A plan for completing the feasibility analysis should be developed between the consumer and consultant utilizing the reporting requirements outlined below. Any tasks or assignments to be completed by the consumer should identify:

• Timeframes for completing additional research or analysis,
• Expected completion dates for submitting findings, and
• Detailed next steps.

If there are substantial changes to the business idea, scope of business, geographic location, or target market area, DVR should refer consumer for a new feasibility analysis.

Service Requirements

The business consultant and consumer will work to research, investigate, and analyze information necessary to complete the feasibility analysis. The consumer, DVR staff, and business consultant should maintain planned points of contact throughout the process. A date should be established for the Feasibility Analysis Findings Meeting. The business consultant will compile findings into a final Feasibility Analysis Report.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

The business consultant will submit a written Feasibility Analysis Report to DVR within 60 business days of authorization. If additional time is needed, it must be agreed upon by the consumer, DVR staff, and business consultant.

Each area of the report, as applicable, must identify the source(s) of the information used and include supporting documentation to substantiate claims. Additional information may be included as needed. If a required element is not addressed, the report must explain why it was omitted.

Business Description

• Description of service or product.
• Overview of concept, background, and market industry.

Operational Analysis

The report must address:

• Consumer qualifications and skills related to the field and/or business operations.
• Industry training needs, including:
  • Identified skill deficiencies.
  • Necessary skills required to operate the business.
  • Approximate timeframe needed to obtain these skills.
• Startup equipment and supplies needed.
• Licenses, permits, and required insurance(s), if applicable.
• Facilities.
• Daily operation of business, including:
  • Hours of operation.
  • Responsibilities for bookkeeping, marketing, sales, and other business activities.
  • Percentage of the time spent completing each activity during business operations.
• Paid employees or managerial staff, if needed, including:
  • Justification for why the consumer or the business requires additional staff.
  • Number of hours per week/ month.
  • Days of the week.
  • Tasks to be performed.
• Unpaid family/friends support, if needed, including:
  • Justification for why supports are needed.
  • Letters of commitment identifying:
    • Number of hours per week/ month.
    • Days of the week.
    • Tasks to be performed.
    • Length of commitment.
• Phase-in schedule for business elements, including accounting, space, and other operational needs.

Market Analysis

The report must address:

• Target market, including:
  • Potential customers.
  • Demographics and any shared characteristics such as age, income, lifestyle, and location.
• Current market size and projected future market value.
• Current market demand and value for service/product.
• Test marketing, when applicable:
  • Describe what has been completed to test the market.
• Consumer's plan for advertising and selling products/services.
• Local competition: 
  • Direct and indirect competitors.
  • Name and location.
  • Estimated annual revenues.
  • Market share performance/penetration.
• Market share estimates.
• Factors contributing to success within the industry. (What makes competitors successful?)
• Competitive advantage, including how the business fills a gap or provides a unique product/service.
• First six-month marketing plan, including details and associated costs.

Financial Analysis

The report must address:

• Adjusted gross income.
  • Adjusted gross income, also known as (AGI), is defined as total income minus deductions, or "adjustments" to income that you are eligible to take. Gross income includes wages, dividends, capital gains, business, and retirement income as well as all other forms income.
• Consideration of:
  • Prevailing wage for the industry.
  • Consumer’s hourly wage goal.
  • Requirement that current minimum hourly wage standards must be met, unless there is documentation supporting that the industry does not meet the minimum wage standard.
• Startup costs (first six months).
• Anticipated working capital needed to cover monthly expenses averaged over first 12 months of operation.
• Recommended timeframe for purchasing, acquiring, and utilizing startup items.
• Forecasted gross revenue.
• Cash flow needs.
• Projected profit/loss for the first five years.
• Projected break-even point.
• Potential funding sources.
• Plan for tracking sales and expenditures, including who complete this responsibility (e.g., accounting software, accountant, paid/unpaid staff).

Business Mentorship Consideration

A business mentor provides advice, guidance, and support to assist a startup business owner in developing and improving business ideas and strategies. Mentors are typically experienced individuals who provide guidance and support related to operating a successful business.

The report should address:

• Does the consultant recommend utilizing a volunteer or free business mentor?  Include why or why not.
• If yes, what are the next steps and resources available for the consumer to secure a mentor?

Summary of Findings

The report must identify:

• Potential barriers or items needing consideration within each section.
• The consumer's ability to meet DVR Self-Employment Fee Schedule requirements.
• The ability of the business to generate equivalent of gross minimum wage for anticipated hours worked.
• Method of verification.

Indicator of Feasibility

Green Light: Research and findings suggest that the proposed business is feasible.

• The report must identify:
  • Why the business is feasible.
  • Any recommendations.
  • Whether:
    • The consumer requires three or fewer months of training.
    • Consumers in Tier 2 or 3 are expected to have anticipated working capital available within three months of business plan approval.
• Recommendation: Proceed with business plan development services.

Green Light on feasibility of business and three or fewer months of short-term training are needed and anticipated working capital will likely be available within three months of the feasibility study being approved.

Yellow Light: Research and findings suggest that the proposed business may be feasible but additional considerations remain.

• The report must identify:
  • Factors supporting the decision.
  • Items requiring additional consideration before the business is feasible.
  • Recommendations.
• Considerations include:
  • Consumer requires three months or more of short-term training.
  • Consumers in Tier 2 or 3 may need more than three months to secure anticipated working capital.

Yellow Light on feasibility of business or more than three months of short-term training is needed and/or anticipated working capital will likely take more than three months to secure.

Red Light: Research and findings suggest the proposed business is not feasible.

• The report must identify:
  • Factors supporting why the business is not feasible.
• A Red Light determination should consider:
  • Consumer requires more than three months of training.
  • Consumers in Tier 2 or 3 are unlikely to obtain required working capital within three months of review of the approved business plan.
• For Red Light determinations:
  • Review findings with the consumer and business consultant.
  • Address any questions or concerns.
  • Inform the consumer DVR cannot provide additional self-employment services.
  • DVR staff will provide a denial letter and appeal rights.
  • Offer counseling and guidance to determine whether the consumer wishes to pursue wage employment.

Feasibility Analysis Findings Meeting

The purpose of the Feasibility Analysis Findings Meeting is for the consumer, DVR staff, and business consultant to review the findings together, discuss questions or concerns, and identify next steps. This meeting is required and may be completed virtually or in person based on the needs and preferences of the consumer and team.

The meeting should address:

• Business idea
• Operational analysis, including how prepared the individual is to operate the business.
• Marketing analysis
• Financial analysis
• Information on similar businesses.
• Methodology used to determine whether the business income would meet DVR’s definition of successful case closure.
• Any further actions needed for the marketing plan.
• Mentorship considerations.

Business Plan Development Service and Business Plan Review Committee Presentation

Service Overview

The Business Plan Development service is used to develop a comprehensive business plan that:

• Identifies the consumer's business goals,
• Provides quality information to assist the consumer and DVR in making decisions regarding the proposed business, and
• Establishes an action plan for implementation of the business.

The business plan must be developed collaboratively between the consumer and business consultant within 90 days, with the consumer actively participating in the process based on their skills, abilities, and capabilities.

The previously completed feasibility analysis should be used as the foundation for business plan development. The business plan should build upon the feasibility findings and address any additional information needed to support implementation of the proposed business.

Service Components

This service includes two components:

1. Initial business plan meeting with the consumer and action plan to develop the business plan.
2. Completion of a business plan and attending and supporting the consumer at the Business Plan Review Committee Meeting.

1. Initial Business Plan Meeting and Action Plan:

   This component includes an initial meeting between the consumer and business consultant to establish an action plan for completion of the business plan.

   The action plan should identify:

   • Tasks to be completed by the consumer and business consultant.
   • Additional research or analysis needed.
   • Expected completion dates.
   • Resources needed to complete the business plan.
   • Timeline for completion.

Following the meeting, the provider must notify DVR staff of the meeting date and the established timeline for business plan development.

2. Business Plan Development and Business Plan Review Committee (BPRC) Presentation:

   This component includes development of the business plan, review of the completed plan with the consumer and DVR staff, and attendance/support of the consumer during the Business Plan Review Committee (BPRC) meeting.

   The business consultant must:

   • Guide the consumer through development of the business plan.
   • Ensure the completed business plan includes all required elements.
   • Review the final plan with the consumer and DVR staff prior to submission to the BPRC.
   • Attend and support the consumer during the BPRC meeting.

When the business plan is completed, the business consultant, consumer, and DVR staff must meet either in person or virtually to review the plan to ensure that all the required information has been included and any questions have been addressed. If the business plan meets all reporting requirements, it is forwarded to the business plan review committee. If it does not, it is sent back to the business consultant for the necessary updates.

At the business plan review meeting, to the extent possible, the consumer should facilitate and present their business plan, with technical assistance from the business consultant. The consumer will be asked to present this plan to multiple audiences and should be able to explain the details contained in the plan. This meeting will allow for discussion regarding the report, answering any questions or concerns, identifying any areas needing further clarification, and identifying any next steps, if applicable. As part of this meeting, the financial portions of the plan should be walked through to make sure that this portion of the business plan is understood by all parties.

Service Requirements

The business plan must be completed and presented at the meeting with the BPRC within 90 days of authorization. If additional time is needed:

• The consumer, DVR staff, and business consultant must agree to the extension.
• DVR documentation must include:
  • Circumstances beyond the control of the consumer and/or DVR that created the need for the extension.
  • Steps that will be taken to complete the process.
  • Timeline for completion.
  • Expected completion date.
  • Consumer and DVR agreement with the extension.

The service should be authorized using two purchase order lines:

1. Initial business plan meeting and action plan.
2. Completion of business plan and Business Plan Review Committee presentation.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

Each area of the report, as applicable, must identify the source(s) of the information used and include supporting documentation to substantiate claims. Additional information may be included as needed. If a required element is not addressed, the report must explain why it was omitted.

The provider must submit a completed business addressing the following areas:

Title Page

Executive Summary

• Summary of the entire business plan.

Business Description

• Business and business history.
• Form of ownership.
• Ownership interest.
• Industry trends.
• Background information about the owner(s).

Marketing Plan

• Products and services.
• Target market.
• Demographics, location, and geography.
• Market size and future value.
• Market demand.
• Test marketing activities completed.
• Local competition (direct and indirect).
• Competitive advantage.
• Advertising and promotional strategies for the first six months, including costs.

Operations Plan

• Consumer qualifications and skills.
• Skill deficiencies and recommendations.
• Facilities.
• Operating costs.
• Daily operations.
• Licenses, permits, zoning, insurance, tax Number, and corporation status.
• Capital Equipment
  • When identifying the equipment, tools, and supplies needed for the business, the consumer should work with their DVR staff/AT provider to develop a written list identifying equipment needed as an accommodation. These items should not be included within the tier fee schedule amounts.
• Production methods.
• Management methods.
• Paid employees or managerial staff, including justification and expected responsibilities.
• Phase-in schedule for business elements.
• Outside services needed.

Financial Plan

• Sources of cash and other financial resources.
• Equipment list and startup costs for the first six months.
  • Rationale for requested items.
  • Cost comparisons consistent with DVR purchasing requirements ( DVR Rate of Payment Fee Schedule).
• Recommended purchase schedule.
• Income statement.
• Cash flow statement.
• Balance sheet or personal financial statement.
• Break-even analysis, including adjusted gross income.
  • The Adjusted gross income, also known as (AGI), is defined as total income minus deductions, or "adjustments" to income that you are eligible to take. Gross income includes wages, dividends, capital gains, business, and retirement income as well as all other forms of income.
• Projected profit/loss for the first five years.
• Potential funding sources.
• Accounting plan, including roles and responsibilities.

Attachments

• Resume.
• Other documents as applicable:
  • Written quotes.
  • Letters of intent.
  • Proof of startup funding
  • Population data.
  • Certifications
  • Licenses/permits.
  • Other supporting documentation.

Business Plan Follow-up Report and/or Meeting

Service Overview

This service provides additional business consulting support following Business Plan Review Committee (BPRC) review when the consumer requires assistance addressing action items, questions, or concerns identified during the business plan review process.

This services is only be used when the business consultant has appropriately completed the Business Plan Development service requirements and the consumer is unable to independently address the next steps identified in the BPRC summary letter, requires additional information to make an informed decision regarding the proposed business, or needs additional expertise from the business consultant to address specific components of the business plan.

The BPRC summary letter will identify action items that must be addressed prior to a final determination regarding the proposed business. The summary letter will inform the consumer that action items may be completed independently or with assistance from a business consultant.

Service Components

Examples of situations where this service may be appropriate include:

• Startup costs have significantly changed since completion of the business plan.
• Sources of startup funding have changed.
• Business profit projections require clarification.
• Additional documentation is needed to support the business plan, such as:
  • Legal agreements
  • Resumes
  • Proposed schedules
  • Other supporting documentation

The consumer and DVR staff will discuss whether business consulting services are needed to address identified action items. If this service is determined necessary, DVR staff will contact the provider selected by the consumer to discuss the requested service and anticipated number of hours needed for completion. DVR will provide referral information, including a case summary, other relevant referral information, and the specific service request. DVR staff will participate in meetings with the consumer and consultant, as appropriate.

Service Requirements

The provider must:

• Contact the consumer within five (5) business days of receiving authorization and referral.
• Meet with the consumer (and DVR staff, as appropriate).
• Complete the requested services and agree upon deliverables within 30 business days.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

The written report must include:

• Date(s) of service
• Type of meeting
• Method of contact
• Description of interaction
• Follow-up plan
• Next steps
• Any relevant supporting documents

Business Operations Consultation and Support

Service Overview

Business Operations Consultation and Support services are to be used after the business plan has been approved and during implementation and operation of the business. These services are designed to support the consumer in implementing the approved business plan and to ensure that the marketing, operational, and financial components of the business plan are progressing as anticipated.

The business consultant will provide ongoing consultation, problem-solving, and technical assistance to assist the consumer in addressing barriers, making adjustments as needed, and connecting with appropriate resources to support business sustainability.

This service requires at least monthly contact between the business consultant and consumer to assess progress toward implementation of the business plan, review business operations, and address any barriers or concerns.

Service Components

Business Operations Consultation and Support may include, but is not limited to:

Business Performance and Problem-Solving

• Reviewing progress toward business goals and action steps identified in the business plan.
• Identifying and addressing barriers impacting business implementation.
• Problem-solving when sales projections, revenue goals, or operational expectations are not being met.
• Reviewing changes to the business model, including changes to products/services, pricing, or target markets.

Marketing and Sales Support

• Assessing marketing strategies and recommending adjustments as needed.
• Reviewing sales tracking and customer engagement.
• Assessing inventory, product placement, pricing structures, and public relations needs.
• Reviewing customer needs and concerns.

Business Operations Support

• Reviewing operational processes and identifying needed adjustments.
• Assessing whether the service/product delivery model has changed.
• Ensuring accounting and bookkeeping systems are established and operational.
• Review record-keeping processes.
• Assessing management strengths and areas needing additional support.

Resource Coordination

• Incorporating existing business mentors into check-ins and meetings when appropriate.
• Referring the consumer to business mentors or other community resources when additional expertise is needed.
• Connecting the consumer with agencies, business entities, or other resources that may assist with business implementation.
• Identifying the need for additional services and/or funding resources.

Service Requirements

The provider must:

• Contact the consumer within five (5) business days of receiving authorization and referral.
• Meet with the consumer (and DVR staff, as appropriate).
• Provide consultation services based on the needs identified in the approved business plan and current business operations.
• Meet at the consumer's business location when applicable and appropriate, as determined by DVR and consumer needs.

Additional Considerations

Business Operations Consultation and Support is typically utilized for Tier 2 and 3; however, in some instances, could be used for Tier 1, if necessary.

Documentation/Reporting Expectations

The written report must include:

• Date(s) of service
• Type of meeting
• Method of contact
• Description of interaction
• Follow-up plan
• Next steps
• Any relevant supporting documents
• DVR wage documentation

• Supported Self-Employment Toolkit
• Supported Self-Employment Appendix
• Shared Roles and Responsibilities in DVR Services
• Working Capital Expense Calculator
• Personal Finance Expense Calculator
• Employment Readiness Questionnaire (ERQ) (DVR-19899-E)
• Tier 1 Simplified Business Plan (DVR-19897-E) and Guide and Job Aid