Are You Interested in Operating Your Own Business?
If so, DVR can help! We have a team of counselors across the state who specialize in self-employment. We offer a variety of services to assist you in starting your own business. Are you an experienced business owner? We can offer assistance related to your disability needs to ensure the continued success of your business. Learn more about our services and resources to get you started below.
Exploring Self Employment
Below are resources to explore self-employment and to develop your business plan:
- CO Business Resource Book: an online tool to help you start your business
- Core Steps of Self-Employment (Center on Self-Employment)
- Entrepreneurship Readiness Assessment (BEL Initiative)
- MyBiz Colorado: a one stop site to begin your business
- Myths and Realities of Self-Employment
- SCORE's Small Business Readiness Assessment
- Small Business/Entrepreneur Readiness Survey (North Carolina Careers)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Guide: an online curriculum to help you get started in your business while working with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
DVR's Self-Employment Forms
When working with us to pursue your small business, we'll ask you to complete the forms below. Our goal is to help you understand all the ins and outs of owning a business. We can also help you obtain any needed small business training to ensure your success.
- Entrepreneurial Interest Checklist, Entrepreneurial Interest Checklist in PDF Accessible Version
- Self-Employment Desk Aide – overview of DVR's self-employment process, including start-up cost Tiers
- Self-Employment Desk Aide - Spanish
- Self-Employment Overview and Guidelines, Self-Employment Overview in PDF Accessible Version and Self-Employment Overview in Spanish
- Self-Employment Questionnaire, Self-Employment Questionnaire in PDF Accessible Version
- Self-Employment Questionnaire - Spanish
- Tier Table - Accessible
DVR's Business Plan Templates
We have a variety of templates to help you develop your business plan. You can use these or use your own! We also can connect you with a professional business consultant to help you through this process.
Resources for Self-Employment
- 10 Steps to Start Your Business, from the US Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Colorado Business Resource Book - an online tool to help get your business started
- Colorado Enterprise Fund (Micro-loans)
- Colorado Small Business Development Center
- Disability Small Business (National Disability Institute & SBA partnership)
- E-learning (free) videos and curriculum (Colorado Small Business Development Center)
- Money Smart for Small Business Catalog
- MyBiz Colorado official filing tool - a one stop site to begin a business
- Programs and funding for small business: Office of Economic Development and International Trade
- Self-Employment Procedure and Training Manual, Self-Employment Manual in PDF Accessible Version (Colorado DVR)
- Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Guide: an online curriculum to help you get started in your business while working with Vocational Rehabilitation
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Are You Ready to Get Started?
If you are interested in starting your own small business, we are ready to partner with you! Reach out to your local office to get connected.