Whether you want to go to work for a large company or go it alone, there are resources available to help you get there. In the workshop "How to Start a Small Business," three panelists shared information on resources available for those who seek the challenges and rewards of self-employment. For those who prefer the structure and security of an organized workplace, "Successful Solutions in the Workplace" included staff from major corporations who discussed how they've accommodated workers with disabilities, enabling them to become productive, contributing members of their organizations.

Considering that one in 10 businesses fail, and that a new business only has a 50% chance of lasting it two years , a well-thought out business plan can help prevent becoming one of the casualties of business. "When looking to start your own business," said Kathleen Robbins, the Director of the Hull House Small Business Development Center, "the first thing to focus on is your business plan." The business plan, advised Robbins, is like a 'roadmap' to show where you are now, where you want to be five years from now, and in 10. In order to get funding from a bank or a grant making organization, a business plan is a must. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers have resources available to help write a good business plan, as well as classes in person and online to help with all aspects of starting and running a successful business.

Marlene Vick, Director of the Small Business Development Center of the Illinois State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the importance of doing a feasibility checklist before starting a business. The checklist includes questions like: 1) Are you a person who likes to make decisions? 2) Do you follow through? 3) Do you set and meet deadlines? 4) Do you see the value in others' advice and take it when appropriate? 5) Do you have experience in the field? If not, can you get it? 6) What is the field you're entering? Who is the market? Who is your competition? How are you unique? and 7) What is your credit score?

"Obtaining your credit score and understanding it before pursuing financing for a business is crucial," said Robbins. For $12.95 you can obtain a copy of your credit score online ( www.myfica.com ). Robbins said that in order to get a loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) a score of 640 is needed, but smaller lenders might accept a score of approximately 540.

Lack of access to funding has hindered many potential business owners from achieving their dreams. Zully Alvarado, President of Silverado Financial Network, told the story of how when she started her first business years ago, she didn't have experience in the business she wanted to start (shoe design and manufacture). No one would give her a loan, and there were no grants to be found. She ended up using her own money by cashing in her life insurance and hoping for the best.

Fortunately, the outlook is a little rosier for prospective business owners today. Acción Chicago, for example, is an organization that provides business loans ranging from $500 to $25,000 to start-up businesses.

"It is important," said Alvarado, "to pick a business that you own, not one that owns you."

For those who prefer the security of a regular paycheck, there are promising developments in corporate America, as well. In "Successful Solutions in the Workplace" representatives from Allstate Insurance Company, State Farm Insurance Companies and Hewlett-Packard Company shared how they have worked to create inclusive environments for people with disabilities at work.

Allstate Insurance Company, for example, saw a need for assistive technology and other accommodations for its employees. They knew they couldn't depend on the company divisions to prepare budgets to provide needed accommodations, so they created the company-wide Center for Assistive Technology. Joyce Meredith, one of the Center's employees, said the accommodation process is initiated when the need is expressed. The Assistive Technology team works with the employee to select the appropriate accommodation or assistive technology device. Once the technology is in place, they train the employee at their worksite, and even provide ongoing technical assistance via a telephone hotline.

Syed Razvi, a software developer for Allstate Insurance Company, is visually impaired and a recipient of services from the Center. They provided him with JAWS and Open Book Ruby Edition software to enable him to do his job. Open Book converts print into speech, so if he gets a printed document, he scans it in and the software reads it to him. Razvi said "if you have a disability, you can't focus on that, because if you do, so will your potential employer." He said it is important to go into a job interview focusing on your abilities and what you can do for the company, instead.

Like Allstate, Hewlett-Packard Company staff recognize that diversity in the workforce leads to creativity, invention and profitability. Ten years ago, they had six people working on diversity issues, now they have 30. Hewlett Packard actively looks for resources to find and recruit diverse candidates. They found out about the Bridges to Employment conference on the Internet. They also use university recruiting and disability mentoring days to increase the pool of qualified candidates to choose from.

Deborah Gray is a Hewlett-Packard employee who became disabled four years ago. She had been working with Hewlett-Packard prior to her disability, and when a neuromuscular condition forced her to drop out of teaching and reevaluate what she could do, she looked both inside and outside the company. She said: "Within Hewlett-Packard, they look at what you can do for the group and company, not on whether or not you can lift 50 pounds." She was able to transition into a position as an Account Support Consultant, going to businesses to make sure their Hewlett-Packard computer software is set up and running properly.

Because of Hewlett-Packard's Flexible Work and Telecommute policies, Gray is able to schedule her workdays to take advantage of her high energy times and can rest when she is tired. Hewlett-Packard provides Web-based and onsite training for supervisors and managers so they are familiar with, and have an understanding of, disability and how to integrate people with disabilities into Hewlett-Packard.

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