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Growing a Business Through Collaborative Funding:

Christopher Williams owns Zydeco Janitorial Services Services. Christopher started this business with funding from Project Exceed, a U.S. Department of Labor Customized Employment Project, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, and the Cobb Micro Enterprise Center in Cobb County, Georgia. Chris found Project Exceed through a referral from his VR counselor who recognized in Chris the entrepreneurial spirit that motivated him to run such a successful business today.

Chris’s first step was to enroll in the 12 week business plan development course at Cobb micro enterprise center. While this step should not be a prerequisite for folks starting businesses, it made sense in Chris’ case. Chris continues to access the expertise of Cobb Micro Enterprise Center’s consultants. For example, he has, with the support of their marketing consultant, developed marketing materials for his business, including a brochure and business cards. The lawyer on staff at this organization supported Chris in developing a contract to use with his customers. Because Chris’ developmental disability impacts his learning, specifically reading and writing, Chris approached the class through a supported education model in which his customized employment broker attended the class with him and provided additional support that Chris needed. Now, a year after Chris’ graduation he continues to attend monthly alumni meetings to network with entrepreneurs from all over the metro Atlanta area who have graduated from this training over the past 5 years of its existence.

Before Chris found the grant he worked at wage jobs for the most part in janitorial positions. He attended a high school special education program and through the school system’s transition to work services, Christopher worked in summer programs through the adult rehabilitation program at Tommy Nobis Center. Chris worked after graduation at the Air Force Reserve Base and in a retail setting in janitorial services.

Today, in running his own business, Chris negotiates contracts with customers, performs the work, orders maintenance supplies and equipment, and transports himself to each job site. Chris hired an accountant to keep his books and occasionally hires family members to assist with large contracts. Recently Chris has considered purchasing a franchise. Owning a franchise might allow him access to customer referrals and lessen the negotiation responsibilities in daily business operations. Chris has access under the Customized Employment Project to an Individual Training Account or ITA that would fund this franchise and relieve him of the negotiation and bidding work he cares little for.

Being a business owner allows Chris to connect socially and professionally with various people in his community. Chris visits the local One Stop Center regularly, where he gets rehabilitation assistance, and where he has created for himself a mentor relationship with a staff person also owns a small cleaning business in her spare time. This mentor has been a resource for Chris as he’s made decisions about what equipment to purchase and where to go to negotiate potential contracts.
Through his ITA funded by PROJECT EXCEED (a collaboration of the Cobb Community Services Board, CobbWorks! One-Stop, Cobb Micro Enterprise Center, and the Tommy Nobis Center, Inc. made possible by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Disability-Employment Policy Grant # E-9-4-1-0080) Chris purchased a carpet cleaner, a floor buffer, an industrial vacuum and many cleaning supplies, as well as marketing materials and other professional services. At this time Chris is working closely with his vocational rehabilitation counselor as they review his business plan for funding. He is hopeful that they will invest in his current success and help him expand his business.

Produced in collaboration with Bridges Cobb/Douglas Community Services Board of Georgia and Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC (www.griffinhammis.com).

The processes and techniques used to assist Chris were developed in-whole or in-part with the Rural Institute at the University of Montana.