Local “Shark Tank” Workshop Brings Big Ideas from Iowa Self-Employment Program

The Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) Program through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services division of Iowa Workforce Development allows business-savvy Iowans to explore going into business for themselves through entrepreneurship. The local Des Moines Area Office for Vocational Rehabilitation recently held a workshop for students in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to explore opportunities to begin or expand Iowa businesses of their own.

Students worked throughout the summer to build a business plan and, ultimately, to present their ideas to a panel of judges made up of vocational rehabilitation counselors and IWD staff. Similar to the television show where entrepreneurs create a business and present it to a panel, the local Des Moines students were able to showcase their skills during a "Shark Tank" style forum. Students broke into two groups to brainstorm and collaborate before making the final presentation of their ideas to business leaders.

One of the two groups developed cell phone covers that were customizable and charged a user's cell phone. One unique way their plan could improve on existing designs was to add a feature where the cell phone owner could charge their phone with energy produced by walking!

The other group went a different route, literally, by problem solving ways to overcome barriers in transportation. Iowans and other individuals with disabilities regularly face barriers with transportation, whether public or private. Thei group's idea was to create a subway system where travelers could avoid weather and vehicle obstacles in order to safely arrive at their destination.

Yvette Clausen, Iowa Self-Employment Counselor Specialist for Vocational Rehabilitation Services, said the activity helps the students think about business plans, financing, marketing, project overhead, and sales. These projects expose students to the business world while allowing them to collaborate and connect with fellow students to explore ideas. During the "Shark Tank" workshop, one student expressed a desire to open her own bakery, and Clausen agreed to discuss planning for this type of business.

Clausen also invited previously successful ISE supported business owners to talk to students about their own journeys to self-employment, giving students a glimpse of what the future could hold if they put their plans into action. Some of the featured guests included Jake Sahr, owner of the Mobile Barbering Co., and Maisy Murray, owner of MJM Jewelry.

In Program Year 2022-2023, 51 job candidates successfully achieved self-employment with help from Vocational Rehabilitation. In total, from 2016-2022, 332 businesses were successfully started, expanded or acquired with support from the division.

To learn more about the Iowa Self-Employment program visit our website at https://workforce.iowa.gov/vr/career-planning-other-services/self-employment