Frequently Asked Questions
The B.O.S.S. Project
How do I become part of the B.O.S.S Project?
Why am I being referred to the B.O.S.S. Project?
How long will the whole B.O.S.S. Project take to complete?
How do I decide if I want to be a business owner or return to the workforce?
How much do the workshops cost?
What is the loan infomation that is tied to this program?
What if I need additional funding for my business?
How do I know if the B.O.S.S. Project is right for me?
What does the B.O.S.S. Project stand for?
What is the B.O.S.S. Project all about?
Is this a duplication of other programs?
Who would benefit from participating?
Whatr is the purpose fo the workshops?
What is the cost to participate in the project?
Why are these agencies participating?
How do I bring the B.O.S.S. Projectto my community?
Who do I contact to get more information?
How do I become part of the B.O.S.S. Project?
If you are working with one of our referring partner agencies, please contact your case manager or service
provider. If you are working with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) offices, please talk to your
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Theywill have the information and qualifications that are needed to become
part of this exciting project.
Why am I being referred to the B.O.S.S. Project?
The B.O.S.S. Project is designed to give an individual the tools needed to become a successful small business
owner or to return to the workforce. Each person is ready for this important step at different times. The level
of commitment by a participant and the partners fo this program are great. However, this program may not be for
everyone. The desire and the ability to complete the work necessary is a big responsibility. Each participant
will need to be dedicated to the commitment of this project.
How long will the whole B.O.S.S. Project take to complete?
The time frame for completion will vary depending on the participant's degree of commitment. Becoming a small
business owner or returning to work requires planning and completing the necessary steps to become ready for your
new role. It is expected that most participants will complete the B.O.S.S. Project within its course completion
of approximately six (6) months.
How do I decide if I want to be a business owner or return to the workforce?
There are wwo different and distinct tracks to the B.O.S.S. Project. One is business ownership and the other
is employment. What is right for you will be the decision that which will be determined between you, your family,
your skills, and your referring agency. There will be three opportunities to help you decide which direction to go:
How much do the workshops cost?
The workshops are free to those who participate in the B.O.S.S. Project.
What is the loan information that is tied to this program?
There are opportunities for both tracks of the B.O.S.S Project to get some financial considerations with equipment and technology. The main loan program is the TechConnect Low Interest Program from the Illinois Assistive Technology Project. This loan can range from $500.00 to $40,000.00 at a 3.5% interest rate. The repayment period is up to 20 years. Please note: Not all participants will be eligible for this program. For more information on this program, please call: (800)-852-5110.
What if I need additional funding for my business?
Additional funding opportunities may be available through other programs and partnering agencies. Once you
have completed the first draft of your business plan, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will assist you
in determining what other funding fits the needs of your business plan. This is determined on a one-on-one basis.
Please note: Not all may be eligible for funding.
How do I know if the B.O.S.S. Project is right for me?
Only you, your family, and your referring agency can help you answer that question. Take your time to make
this important decision. Owning your won business or going back to work takes a level of commitment, not
only of time, but also a commitment of effort.
What does B.O.S.S. Project stand for?
Business Opportunities for Self Success Project. The program is designed to bring the expertise of different
State and Federal agencies together to serve the Citizens of Illinois in starting their own business or return to
the workforce.
What is the B.O.S.S. Project all about?
The B.O.S.S. Project is all about building our communities through new businesses and jobs brought to Illinois.
There are two distinct tracks to this program: Business Ownership and Employment.
for business owners, this means preparing a comprehensive business plan, seeking financing (if needed), and
starting their business. For those returning to the workforce, a plan of action will be developed. This work plan
of action will give skills, tools, and a written plan on how best to seek the jobs that will inspire new careers.
Is this a duplication of other programs?
This in not a duplication of services. Each agency involved in this unique partnership has their own area of expertise.
Each agency already has their programs based on the materials offered in the B.O.S.S. Project.
Who would benefit from participating?
The participants in the B.O.S.S. Project are individuals ready to tackle the work ahead. An ideal candidate
will have worked with his or her own support agency to prepare for this new adventure. It is not a program
for someone whose basic needs, such as food, shelter, medication, and daily existence have not been met.
This program will require focus and a desire to return to work or starting a business.
The workshop atmosphere also offers many great advantages. As part of a group, each person brings their own
talents, skills, and experience. The information learned in a group environment can be very rewarding. Learning
from others helps us to understand the paths we are about to take.
How does one participate?
If a person is already working with an agency, it is best to work with their counselor or support person.
The next step would be to come to the Presentation Day and learn about the program. Together with this
knowledge the participant and the agency would determiine if this is the right time and direction for the participant
to take.
What is the purpose of the workshops?
The workshops are an excellent opportunity to learn and understand the materials in the workshops. There
are experts from many different industries that will discuss and give valuable information that help each
participant in their development fo their business or work plan.
There are studies that have been developed to help you "see" a business plan form a work plan of action develop.
These case studies will assist the participants in their efforts to build their own future.
What is the cost to participate in the Project?
Each Center has set the prices for the program. There are scholarships available from some agencies. No participant
will be turned away from the program because of fnancial circumstances.
Why are these agencies participating?
We are lucky to live in the state of Illinois! Our state believes and supports agencies that are in place to improve the
lives of its citizens. The Small Business Development Centers, Department fo Rehabilitation Services, the Illinois
Assistive Technology Program, the Benefits Planning and Outreach Program, the Self Employment Resource
Network, and many others are here to bring the quality of life services to Illinois.
The development of our referral network that was the catalyst of this project was instrumental in bringing the
B.O.S.S. Project to life. The network's main goal is to develop our communities to make them better places to live,
work, and visit.
How do I bring the B.O.S.S. Project to my community?
Please contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or one of the founding agencies listed below.
We'll be glad to give you the details!
Who do I contact to get more information?
Please contact one of the agencies listed below or use the online form found on the Contact Us page.
Small Business Development Center (Sauk Valley)
Michele Miller, SBDC Director
Sauk Valley Community College
173 IL Rt. #2
Dixon, IL 61021
(815)-288-5511
millerm@svcc.edu
-or-
Small Business Development Center (Highland)
Michele Miller, SBDC Director
Highland Community College
2998 W. Pearl City Road
Freeport, IL 61032
(815)-599-3654
Michele.miller@highland.edu
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
Jackie Bastian, Employment Specialist
Dawn Gimple, VR Counselor
Kathy Wilken, Vocational Coordinator
773 W. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 402
Freeport, IL 61032
(815)-233-5904
Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP)
Eric Guidish, Coordinator
1 W. Old State Capital Plaza, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62701
(800)-852-5110
eguidish@iltech.org
Health and Disabilities Advocates
Marsie Frawley, Project Manager
205 W. Monroe Street, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
(312)-223-9600
mfrawley@hdadvocates.org
But, make no mistake about it, both tracks require hard work, determination, and the desire to make the future yours.
