Micro Enterprise Development Capital Resources

Karen Ward, CHD Director, congratulates Joe Spillane as the first applicant to receive approval for DHSS Micro Enterprise Development funding for his business, Northern Lights Seasonal Services.  Joe does lawn maintenance, hauling, and miscellaneous chores in the summer, and snow removal and maintenance during the winter months.  Stay tuned for more pictures of Northern Lights Seasonal Services in operation.

An exciting new trend is assisting people with disabilities who express an interest in having their own business and working for themselves. While many might see the request as unrealistic, and would out of hand rule it out, Micro enterprise development for people with disabilities may well be the first and best choice for many. Certainly, there is no other employment option that affords the degree of Self-Determination that is available through business ownership and operation. Two leading limitations to micro enterprise development for people with disabilities are misguided beliefs and the lack of capital resources to get a micro business established and operational.

Our Center has received Capital grant funding from the Department of Health and Social Services to assist certain individuals with disabilities develop or start their own Micro Business. Only Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries are eligible to apply. Each applicant must develop a business plan with the Micro Enterprise Development Project’s assistance.

Award amounts must be for at least $1,000.00, but not more than $10,000.00. Each applicant must provide a dollar for dollar match for the funds requested. For example, if the total amount required to start the business is $2,000.00, the grant would provide $1,000.00 and the individual would have to provide $1,000.00. Sources of matching funds may include personal resources, Permanent Fund Dividend resources, or Core Service funds may be used for persons who receive that service from Developmental Disabilities. Other limited resources may be available through the Center on a case by case basis. The project will provide technical assistance and advice on developing and starting up a micro business, benefit analysis and planning assistance, and will follow up with recipients through December, 2005 to monitor the status of the business. For information or application materials, contact Ken Hamrick at ankeh1@uaa.alaska.edu 907-264-6235 or 1800-243-2199.

An Overview of Self-Employment This booklet requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader and is approximately 195K in size.

Self-employment | Benefit Planning Assistance and Outreach | Micro Enterprise Development | One Stop Self-employment Training | Resources | Microenterprise Resource Guide |