Starting my own business - yikes!

[MomToTwoBoys]

I've been looking into helping my oldest get set up for when he's old enough to be out on his own. This includes a job, residential living, health care, etc. I started looking around at places that actually help people with disabilities to do such a task and well, there really isn't that many that I've found.

So I have decided to do it myself.

I am starting my new career with helping people with a variety of disabilities to establish the life skills, housing, health care and extracurricular activities needed to enjoy their life on their own. This will include work placement, dental referrals, vision care referrals, cooking classes and other items that will help a disabled individual to be as independent as he/she feels comfortable doing so.

I'm a little nervous about starting my own business. It would be something done completely in-home and the only costs that I can forsee in terms of starting up would be a fax machine, a second phone line and office supplies.

Does anyone have any recommendations to look into before starting this up? I'd really appreciate that.

[frugalwarrior2]

As I understand you are going to their home? Have you thought about any ins.? Not sure What kind exactly but you are making recommondations?

[MomToTwoBoys]

I'm still in the planning stages. I'd probably be contacting the BBB in Calgary and/or Social Services to find out what exactly I need in order to achieve what I want.

The main thing I want is a place for people to go to that has a starting point for them to persue anything they need to be sufficient. I'd sort of be the middle person in making sure that they get into the right place for all of their needs. It'd also be good to help secure housing for these people because that's the big thing I'm concerned with.

[mek42]

Canada doesn't have an equivalent to VESID? How about doing what you want to do as a non-profit?

[MomToTwoBoys]

Canada doesn't have an equivalent to VESID? How about doing what you want to do as a non-profit?

I'm not sure. But yeah, it would be totally non-profit and probably spearheaded by donations. Everything's still in the air.

[mek42]

If you were in the states, I'd suggest ordering a bunch of relevant booklets from the IRS. Lots of good info there - maybe Revenue Canada has a similar service. Part of the booklets you want is about non-profit status.

Also read about Alberta (or Canada) laws of corporations. You probably want this setup as a C-corp (this might be US term). You might need more people other than just you. In NY I can make a for-profit C-corp just me, but I need minimum 3 people for the board of a non-profit C-corp.

[MomToTwoBoys]

My aunt Joan gave me a link for charity work:

Charity Village QuickGuides: Starting a Nonprofit or Charity

I told DH what I wanted to do and he didn't seem against it. He asked me lots of questions and then left it alone.

[frugalfranny]

Nothing to add just 'well wishes' and keep us posted on how you are doing.............GOOD LUCK!

[pinetree]

Do you have a small business admin. (SBA) in Canada? They will help you with the entire process. A big thing is to have a business plan. There are alot of books that can help you with that. Good Luck, it sounds like like a good idea!

[janeysaurus]

There is someone I know indirectly (I know her husband, who is a commercial real estate appraiser, on a professional basis) who started a company in Pittsburgh that is now one of the more successful firms in the area.

What her firm does is a bit different than what you are outlining, in that she focused on connecting the disabled with corporations, so that disabled individuals can get competitive company jobs with fair pay and real career tracks. I think her firm also assists in getting disabled individuals skills training so that they can get these jobs.

While you sound like you want to go the non-profit path and perhaps fill a more broader range of assistance in the social work sphere (I'm surprised and saddened that there wasn't already an established network to assist the disabled where you are), perhaps her experience can help you. Her company is based in Pittsburgh, but from the website, it looks like they've started branching into Canada.

I cannot post links as I haven't posted enough times yet, so Google "Bender Consulting Services"...her name is Joyce Bender.

HTH.

[Ceashels]

Years ago, I worked in a residential school for the handicapped (ages 0-21) in the States. They had a "transitional" program set up for when the students turned 18 to help make the transition from student to independent or semi-independent individual a lot easier. They focused on each of the areas (living skills, academics, vocational and sometimes leisure) and set goals to get them to where they needed to be. So if a student had the ability to be semi independent then giving him the support needed in the next 3 year (until the age of 21) was the focus. If the student was so low functioning that the setting would be more adult day care then basic needs were worked on such as communication and self care skills.

I don't know what programs are set up in Canada for children with extraordinary challenges but they might be a good resource for you to get acquainted with as you continue your research.

Check online forums for specific handicaps /diagnoses and you will find other parents who have had experiences that you can learn from. The more information you have then the more marketable your skills will be.


What a wonderful niche to fill. I wish you the best of luck.

[Imarachne]

Sounds like a worthy endeavor--good luck !!

[Rhiamon]

Not much to add but good luck. I am sure you will do great.

[Debbie-cat]

Wishing you the best of luck!

[ilovechocolate]

You might want to consider advertising costs.