The original goal of creating micro or small business enterprises for 10 individuals with some degree of intellectual challenge, who resided in the area, is gradually being realized. CAPRE has been instrumental in developing the necessary support structures and mechanisms that we believe will lead to self-sufficiency for a number of our members.

CAPRE provides guidance and support to individuals in a business enterprise as they proceed through the entrepreneurial decision- making, business planning, and business operation cycle.

Specifically, CAPRE will:

• Assist individuals and their unique support network to determine the appropriateness of entrepreneurship as a preferred occupation,
  
• Assist individuals and their support network through an opportunity identification exercise designed to select the specific venture that most contributes to the abilities, personal goals and objectives of the individual,
  
• Assist in the identification and procurement of the necessary resources that are needed to develop and operate a self-sufficient unit. These resources include:
  • Business development and advisory expertise,
  • Physical and emotional support,
  • Business infrastructure (administration, facilities, human resources, etc).

While CAPRE may directly provide some of the above resources in the developmental stages, the aim is to identify and make available the best possible resources throughout the greater community. It is expected that each venture will be developed and empowered to identify and include the specific resources necessary for them to achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency.

The nature of the relationships within each business entity is such that a high degree of dependence and interdependence exists. CAPRE has the ability to make provisions for accommodating back- up support as it relates to physical and emotional support. CAPRE may, in emergency or extenuating circumstances, provide such support.

The primary consideration for business development is self- actualization. It is expected, however, that the business venture will have sufficient financial viability to contribute to its own maintenance and growth, including the network and structure that has been created to support it.

Steps to Implementation:

1. Individual expresses interest in becoming a CAPRE entrepreneur.
2. CAPRE facilitates decision-making process to explore self- employment.
3. CAPRE facilitates opportunity identification and selection.
4. CAPRE facilitates business- planning process.
5. Business entity is formed with appropriate resources and support.
6. Business entity becomes operational with appropriate contingency plans for permanent and long-term business viability.

While it is a primary function of CAPRE to facilitate the development and growth of the individual business entities, it also provides an important community development function. Outcomes of this community development function include:

1. Ensuring that the individuals and the business entities CAPRE supports become legitimate participants in the business and social community.
2. Ensuring that sufficient resources are available from community partners and the community at large to support the individual businesses in achieving self-sufficiency.

CAPRE also recognizes the responsibility for the development of appropriate paid support for each business. It is a function of CAPRE to develop and deliver professional development programs directed toward the training of supportive coworkers that provide both personal care and business development services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

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