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. If you are already an experienced business owner, we can offer assistance specifically related to your disability needs to ensure the continued success of your business. Learn more about our services and find resources to help you get started below.
Exploring Self Employment
We've gathered a variety of resources to help you explore whether self-employment is right for you and to get started in developing 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 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 and to help you obtain any needed small business training to ensure your success.
Entrepreneurial Interest Checklist, 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, PDF Accessible Version and Spanish
Self-Employment Questionnaire, 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 your own! We also can connect you with a professional business consultant to help you through this process.
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Resources for Self-Employment
10 Steps to Start Your Business (from the SBA)
Colorado Business Resource Book - an online tool to help get your business started
Colorado Enterprise Fund (Microloans)
CO Small Business Development Center
Disability Small Business (National Disability Institute & SBA partnership)
E-learning (free) videos and curriculum (CO SBDC)
Money Smart for Small Business
MyBiz Colorado - a one stop site to begin a business
Programs and funding for small business: Office of Economic Development & International Trade
Self-Employment Procedure and Training Manual, PDF Accessible Version (CO DR)
Vocational Rehabilitation Self-Employment Guide: an online curriculum to help you get started in your business while working with VR
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.