Readiness Questions

Why Self-Employment?

1. Why do you think self-employment is a better choice than getting a job with an existing business

2. Can you explain why self-employment is the best option?

3. Do your reasons make sense in terms of the realities (compared to myths) of self-employment?

4. Do your reasons make sense in terms of your life values?

   Start-up Funding

5. How will you pay your bills until your new business earns a profit?

6. Do you have enough savings to cover your personal expenses?

7. Would getting a paid job help you build savings and skills for self-employment in the future?

8. Would financial counseling help you get your finances in order before applying for a business loan?

What other resources do you have that could help get your business up and running?

Business Skills

1. What business skills do you have for running your business?

2. Do you have experience using a computer?Do you have skills for managing day-to-day business operations (like bookkeeping, ordering, or keeping track of inventory)?

3. Can you do the accounting and bookkeeping for your business?

4. If not, who might fulfill these responsibilities?

5. Do you know how to advertise to customers?

6. Do you have friends or family willing to volunteer their time to help you get started?

   Needed Accommodations

7. What accommodations will you need to open and run your business?

8. If you have challenges with verbal communication, have you thought about other ways to communicate with customers, such as email?

9. If you have challenges with math or managing money, do you have a family member or friend who could help you with bookkeeping?

10. How will you run your business if a disability-related issue comes up, such as a pain flare-up?

Other Challenges

Are there other challenges that might affect your ability to open and run a business?

These challenges could include:

• Environment issues (allergies, chemical, or sound sensitivities)

• Family commitments

• Debt or poor credit

• Criminal record

• Community responsibilities

• Substance abuse issues

• Other

• If you experience challenges, how will they affect your ability to start your proposed business?

  For example:

• If you have poor credit, you may not be able to start a business with large start-up costs.

• If you have a criminal record, you may not be able to start certain types of businesses, such as a daycare.

• If you have family commitments, you may not have the time and energy required for completing

  By thinking about possible challenges and solutions ahead of time, your proposed business is more likely to be successful.