New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 95 - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Subchapter 12 - PLACEMENT SERVICES
Section 10:95-12.3 - Small business program

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 10:95-12.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The small business program is designed to provide vocational rehabilitation services to those clients whose goal is to establish a solely owned business.

(b) The following criteria will determine a client's eligibility for the small business program:

1. The client must indicate a commitment to own and operate his or her own business;

2. The business goal must be appropriate to the client's physical/mental condition according to the counselor based upon documented medical conditions pertaining to the requirement of the business;

3. The client must demonstrate an ability to acquire basic business management skills such as maintaining inventory and financial records;

4. The client shall have at least two years experience in the type of business or have related experience in the business that he or she wishes to operate; and

5. The client shall develop a comprehensive business plan or business proposal or plan which shall allow the Commission and other funding sources (that is, banks, the Small Business Administration) an opportunity to evaluate its chances of success.

(c) The Commission's comparable services and benefits rules as set forth at N.J.A.C. 10:91-3 shall apply to the provision of financial services to clients in the small business program.

(d) The Commission shall evaluate each client who wishes to establish a business. The outcome of this evaluation shall be a written report, which provides justification for any projected expenditure of vocational rehabilitation funds. This assessment shall include an evaluation at the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center, or comparable facility, of the client's business ability and aptitude.

(e) Each client shall utilize his or her own resources to fund the business venture. Each successful applicant for the business enterprise program shall have an outside source for financing his or her own business. The Individualized Plan for Employment shall indicate the specific services and the provider of those services and the anticipated cost of the services.

(f) Start-up costs are one-time expenditures such as the purchase of licenses, initial stock, supplies, services, equipment, and related expenses. A consumer requesting $ 1.00 to $ 5,000 shall be expected to contribute at least 10 percent of the total amount requested; $ 5,001 to $ 7,500, 20 percent; $ 7,501 to $ 15,000, 30 percent; $ 15,501 and higher, 40 percent. If a consumer does not contribute at these percentages, justification must be submitted, reviewed and approved by the Standing Self-Employment Committee.

(g) No vocational rehabilitation funds shall be provided for long-term operational or fixed asset costs. However, adaptive equipment shall be funded, only after a current assessment has been provided by the Commission. This is not calculated in the start-up cost. The client shall sign a loan agreement for any supplies or equipment that is provided by the Commission.

(h) The business enterprise program may continue to provide technical assistance to the client after financing has been put into place, and until the business is operational. Commission staff may visit the business for up to one year after the business is established.

(i) The client shall devote what time is required in the conduct of the particular business to ensure the likelihood of success in that industry.

(j) The Commission shall retain title to any equipment it purchases for a self-employed client in the business enterprise program until the case is successfully closed. As title holder, the Commission shall be responsible for the maintenance and insurance of all equipment. When a case is closed due to the unsuccessful provision of post-employment services, the Commission shall recoup any equipment purchased with Commission funds.

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