Section 92-72-009 - Self Employment and Establishing A Small Business Operation009.01 Intent of self employment services Services that may be provided when necessary to achieve an employment outcome of self-employment or establishing a small business operation are strictly limited to start-up business ventures in which the recipient will own a minimum of 51%.
009.02 Program financial assistance is available for the following services 009.02A. Technical assistance and other consultation services to conduct market analyses, develop business plans, and in addition to program resources, to secure resources from sources other than the program for the establishment and operation of the small business enterprise.009.02B. Expansion of a Business. Any request for expansion of an existing business must be approved by the Program staff designated by the Director. Approval will be based on whether expansion of the existing business is required to enable the recipient to earn a living wage. If approved, the limitations and requirements in Sections 009.02D, 009.03 and 009.04 of this Chapter will apply.009.02C. Maintaining an existing business. Program financial assistance is available for assistive technology, adaptive devices, specialized equipment, and/or job site modifications which compensate for limitations resulting from a disability and assist the individual to maintain their self employment.009.02D. New Business Start-up Expenses. Expenses related to starting a new business include the following and are limited to an establishment period not to exceed six (6) months. 009.02D1. Occupational licenses, franchise fees, and business permits including those required by any unit of state or local government. 009.02D2. Tools and equipment.009.02D3. Stocks and supplies.009.02D4. Operating costs such as rent, utilities, business liability insurance and advertising.009.02D5. Vehicle acquisition.009.02D6. Professional technical support including, but not limited to, legal and accounting services.009.03 Program financial assistance is not available from the program for the costs of: 009.03A. Purchase of land or buildings; or,009.03B. Construction, renovation, or remodeling of buildings or space to be used.009.04 Application of resources The recipient must first apply personal and/or family resources and all financing available through grants or loans to the required business start-up expenses. Program assistance is available for the remaining business start-up expenses, up to the limit in Appendix B.
009.05 Exceptions 009.05A. Exceptions to the limit on financial assistance for business start-up expenses in Appendix B may be granted by the Program staff designated by the Director after considering the following factors: 009.05A1. The availability of financing from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Small Business Administration, programs administered by the Under Secretary for Rural Development of the United States Department of Agriculture, or other programs and entities experienced in the financing of start-up small businesses;009.05A2. The reasons for the availability or non-availability of financing from the programs and entities in Section 009.05A1 above;009.05A3. The amount in Appendix B along with other resources are insufficient to establish the small business enterprise; and, 009.05A4. The availability of other employment options consistent with the recipient's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice.009.06 IPE Approval After reviewing a feasibility study and a business plan for the business, authorized staff may approve a recipient's Individual Plan for Employment with an employment goal of self employment or establishing a small business operation if they determine that:
009.06A. The business idea or concept is sound, based on an appraisal of similar ventures and their results;009.06B. There is a market for the goods or services to be provided by the business, based on an appraisal of the market for the goods or services, market competition, and the recipient's market strategy;009.06C. The business venture is financially sound, based on an assessment of initial startup costs, credit and financing availability, and pro forma cash flow and profit and loss statements; and,009.06D. The recipient will be able to manage and operate the business, based on the consistency between the requirements of the business and the recipient's unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice.92 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 72, § 009