Supported Self-Employment Program Steps

PHASE ONE: Business Discovery (8 weeks)

The potential business owner participates in a group and mentor process identifying personal strengths, talents, commitment, their business idea, etc. A review of business requirements in terms of time, finances, product production/service delivery, marketing, and other business considerations to achieve a grasp of understanding the difference of community employment and self-employment.

During Business Discovery, the potential business owner is introduced to other similar businesses, usage of computers in business, evaluating their business concept in relation to their skills. Each potential business owner must be able to produce the product or deliver the service. SSE mentors provide the on-going support in areas of business which are needed to form a sole-proprietorship.

The discovery process is developed in the B.E.S.T (Building Effective Self-Employment Techniques) class. At the end of the eight weeks, the business graduates continue to participate with other B.E.S.T. grads in on-going support sessions, where they provide each business owner with support, encouragement, networking, etc.

During this period some business owners will experience opportunities to participate in Chamber events ie., Business Expo-Business After 5; DECI events; and other opportunities of participation.

PHASE TWO: Research & Development

Research and Development is the phase by which the business owner develops their business concept into concrete terms defining demographics of service, competition, customer base, equipment/supply needs, and other issues relative to their business.

It is during this time naming their business, email address, prototype business experience, field trips to other similar businesses, selecting their niche market, pricing, overhead expenses, etc continues to define their business concept and prepare for start-up.

PHASE THREE: Long Term Support

As the business continues through the R & D and start-up phase, mentors will continue to evaluate the pace of the business owner’s ability to learn and maintain on-going financial recording, marketing their product, preparing for events, using computer based marketing options, etc.

At this time a “Plan of Business” will evolve to provide the business owner with goals regarding product/service production; venues for product placement, marketing, and more. This plan is developed from the experiences rendered from R&D and operation of the prototype business model they have engaged in to find their niche and develop their level of business.

SSE Staff:

Maralene Strom, Program Coordinator
Over 30 years of business and marketing experience as an on-going independent consultant with market research study development.
Joanne Horan, Business Mentor
Retired educator and co-owned Horan Driving School (30 yrs).

Mike Quick, Business Mentor
GreenDoor Graphics (15yrs), independent business owner, local musician performing across the United States.