Our Small Business Management program aims to teach individuals the aspects of developing and maintain a business of their own. Clients will develop a business plan, register with their state, file with the IRS and identify a means of raising capital.

Through the use of materials provided by the Small Business Administration, clients will learn to identify the fundamental aspects of starting and growing a small business of their own. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there were 9.6 million self-employed workers in 2016. This number is expected to increase to 10.3 million by 2026. Whether you are starting a new business or functioning as a partner of a growing business, knowing how to navigate the growing pains that come with those responsibilities is the difference between a successful venture and a missed opportunity.

High school diploma or GED

Print reading speed of 100 wpm, with 75% comprehension

Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm

12th-grade spelling and grammar level

Workforce Development Services are offered at WSB to provide individuals with visual impairments with the tools needed to enhance and sustain their employability. Through our prevocational and vocational training programs, we provide the education and skills training to jobseekers that employers are looking to hire long term. By producing qualified workers, it helps the individual become more marketable and benefits the employer by reducing their cost of on-the-job training and improving turnover rates for their company. WSB’s focus is to provide services of employment assistance for jobseekers with visual impairments which will assist them in getting competitive integrated employment. Through job preparation and job coaching, certain tools and resources will be provided for the client to be successful in their job search, such as assistance in locating local job fairs, employment workshops, and/or participation in online or virtual job fairs.

In the first 30 days, an extensive assessment is completed in order for WSB to meet the client’s needs where they are. An extensive Interpretive Career Report will be provided to the client and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on the assessment of their career interests, career training potentials, job satisfaction indicators, career exploration and career recommendations completed with the assistance of our qualified workforce staff and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Each client’s program will be individualized based on their needs and level of employability. During the skills evaluation period, students will work on a career readiness program tailored to their personal needs in areas such as, their academic skills in areas they may need improvement, assistive technology and computer literacy, daily living skills, and orientation and mobility skills training. Each individual will learn how to complete a resume or update their current resume, interviewing skills, “dress for success” skills, participate in mock interviews, learn soft skills, independent living skills and essential workplace skills. This will assist in the client’s preparation and future choices of a Pre-Vocational or Vocational program, or their area of interest for employment.