Current through March 20, 2024
009.01 Intent of
self employment services
Services that may be provided when necessary to achieve an
employment outcome of self-employment or establishing a small business
operation are strictly limited to start-up business ventures in which the
recipient will own a minimum of 51%.
009.02 Program financial assistance is
available for the following services
009.02A.
Technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market
analyses, develop business plans, and in addition to program resources, to
secure resources from sources other than the program for the establishment and
operation of the small business enterprise.
009.02B. Expansion of a Business. Any request
for expansion of an existing business must be approved by the Program staff
designated by the Director. Approval will be based on whether expansion of the
existing business is required to enable the recipient to earn a living wage. If
approved, the limitations and requirements in Sections
009.02D, 009.03
and 009.04 of this Chapter will apply.
009.02C. Maintaining an existing business.
Program financial assistance is available for assistive technology, adaptive
devices, specialized equipment, and/or job site modifications which compensate
for limitations resulting from a disability and assist the individual to
maintain their self employment.
009.02D. New Business Start-up Expenses.
Expenses related to starting a new business include the following and are
limited to an establishment period not to exceed six (6) months.
009.02D1. Occupational licenses, franchise
fees, and business permits including those required by any unit of state or
local government.
009.02D2. Tools
and equipment.
009.02D3. Stocks and
supplies.
009.02D4. Operating costs
such as rent, utilities, business liability insurance and
advertising.
009.02D5. Vehicle
acquisition.
009.02D6. Professional
technical support including, but not limited to, legal and accounting
services.
009.03 Program financial assistance is not
available from the program for the costs of:
009.03A. Purchase of land or buildings;
or,
009.03B. Construction,
renovation, or remodeling of buildings or space to be used.
009.04 Application of resources
The recipient must first apply personal and/or family
resources and all financing available through grants or loans to the required
business start-up expenses. Program assistance is available for the remaining
business start-up expenses, up to the limit in Appendix B.
009.05 Exceptions
009.05A. Exceptions to the limit on financial
assistance for business start-up expenses in Appendix B may be granted by the
Program staff designated by the Director after considering the following
factors:
009.05A1. The availability of
financing from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Small
Business Administration, programs administered by the Under Secretary for Rural
Development of the United States Department of Agriculture, or other programs
and entities experienced in the financing of start-up small
businesses;
009.05A2. The reasons
for the availability or non-availability of financing from the programs and
entities in Section
009.05A1
above;
009.05A3. The amount in
Appendix B along with other resources are insufficient to establish the small
business enterprise; and,
009.05A4. The availability of other
employment options consistent with the recipient's unique strengths, resources,
priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed
choice.
009.06
IPE Approval
After reviewing a feasibility study and a business plan for
the business, authorized staff may approve a recipient's Individual Plan for
Employment with an employment goal of self employment or establishing a small
business operation if they determine that:
009.06A. The business idea or concept is
sound, based on an appraisal of similar ventures and their results;
009.06B. There is a market for the goods or
services to be provided by the business, based on an appraisal of the market
for the goods or services, market competition, and the recipient's market
strategy;
009.06C. The business
venture is financially sound, based on an assessment of initial startup costs,
credit and financing availability, and pro forma cash flow and profit and loss
statements; and,
009.06D. The
recipient will be able to manage and operate the business, based on the
consistency between the requirements of the business and the recipient's unique
strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests
and informed choice.
