16.7 Individualized Plan for Employment

Following the approval of the relevant business plan, an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) shall be developed consistent with all requirements of Chapter 11. The IPE shall be identified as a self-employment plan and include:

1. The specific employment goal identified in the business plan, consistent with the title found in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.

2. The objectives necessary for the individual to attain the planned self-employment outcome, consistent with the assessment of vocational rehabilitation needs and the individual's informed choice.

3. The specific vocational rehabilitation goods and services necessary to achieve the planned self-employment outcome, including (as applicable):

a. Training needed to equip the individual with business management and operation skills,

b. Assistive technology or other accommodations needed for management and operation of the business,

c. Supportive services to start the business.

4. Timelines including the projected dates for the initiation and the anticipated duration of each vocational rehabilitation service and a projected timeframe for the achievement of the self-employment outcome.

5. Objective criteria, procedures, and schedules to be used for periodic evaluation and monitoring of progress toward the self-employment outcome and successful operation of the business to support this outcome.

6. Provider(s) as described in the business start-up costs and those addressing disability related service needs, consistent with the individual's informed choice.

7. Necessary start-up expenses identified in the business plan and in accordance with the appropriate funding tier.

8. The plan to monitor and evaluate the success of the business through monthly reviews and financial reports with attention paid to marketing activities and cash flow (such as Business checkbook register, Profit and Loss Statements, Monthly Balance statements, QuickBooks statements, etc.).

9. Closure criteria to include an agreed upon income level (net profit/breakeven), consistent with financial projections submitted with the business plan and including at least one quarterly/annual tax submission to the IRS.

10. Individual acceptance of the responsibility to file all relevant state, local, sales, and self-employment taxes.

Evaluation criteria for the IPE for self-employment shall measure progress toward and completion of required steps in the business development process and ensure adequate business growth. Criteria shall ensure the appropriate results are achieved based on individual needs including:

● The individual possesses adequate skills to manage the business.

● The individual has sufficient technical skills to run the business.

● The individual has developed an effective network of professional advisors, which may include an attorney, CPA, and business mentor.

● The individual has developed and is implementing a sound financial plan to operate the business and sustain long-term viability.

● All necessary accommodations are in place to address any disability-related needs.

● The business is generating adequate revenue and has planned for income growth to cover all business operating costs and ongoing accommodation costs.

● Expectations are clearly defined for when the individual shall assume full responsibility for ongoing business management and continued growth without further vocational rehabilitation services. This criterion shall be described as a level of business performance.