About Nebraska Self Employment Services
Nebraska Self Employment Services (NSES) provides comprehensive self employment assistance and support to qualified individuals with disabilities in Nebraska.
Who is eligible?
Clients of Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (NVR) Services interested in self employment as a vocational goal may apply for services. Interested clients should discuss the program with their respective NVR Counselor for more information. Referrals to NSES can only be made by NVR counselors.
What type of assistance is available?
The types of assistance offered through this program are outlined below. Clients will generally move through each step in the order listed, keeping in mind, starting and growing a business is a process that continually evolves; as a result, once a step is taken, it may be revisited in order to maintain business viability and promote growth.
1. Exploring Self Employment Workshops: This group workshop assists aspiring entrepreneurs to self-assess personal preparedness and issues critical to starting a business. Although attending a workshop is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
This is an interactive, day long workshop where participants learn about testing business ideas, analyzing markets, finding customers, examining personal and business finances, and business planning. Participants also learn about services provided by NVR as well as access to capital for Nebraskans.
NVR clients who are interested in attending a workshop should ask their Counselor to refer them.
2. Technical Assistance: After attending an Exploring Self Employment Workshop (recommended, but not mandatory) and completing an application and initial interview, clients may qualify for technical assistance. Technical assistance includes the following:
a. Feasibility Study: In a written report supported by research, a client's business idea is evaluated for general concept, general market, and financial feasibility. The feasibility study includes recommendations regarding the potential and risk involved in the business venture. The information outlined in feasibility is critical to making an informed decision about self employment.
b. Business Plan: Once the idea is determined to be feasible, business planning services will commence. A business plan is a “living” document that clients will update regularly to reflect the growth and development of their business. It includes a general description of the business, good and/or services, industry background, competition, plans for marketing and management and comprehensive two year financial projections. A current business plan is crucial to access capital for startup or expansion.
c. Funding/Capitalization: Assistance in identifying appropriate funding sources and guidance for implementing financial assistance will be provided.
d. Business Support Services: Post business start up support services are provided to each client. Staff and/or consultants maintain regular contact with clients in business to discuss progress, challenges and identify any additional technical assistance needs.
e. Building a Better Business (BBB) Workshops: NSES clients in business may take advantage of BBB Workshops held throughout the state. Workshop topics include, but are not limited to: record keeping, marketing and e-commerce.
How do clients apply?
NVR clients interested in business ownership may apply for services at any time, but applications must be submitted through NVR Counselors.
