There are an estimated 800,000 adults with learning disabilities of working age, of which only 11% have a paid job, often a part time one. Despite this, many people express an interest in exploring work opportunities. One less frequently explored option is that of self employment.
The In Business programme explored the route to self employment and small business ownership for those people with learning disabilities interested in an alternative path to work. It captured the journey to enterprise with particular focus on innovation, business planning and development and service delivery change.
The In Business resources have been developed in response to this, based on our experiences within the pilot sites over a number of years that reflected Local Authority and Voluntary Sector settings as well as urban and rural economies.
Below you will also find numerous resources, guides and tools to help people who have an idea for becoming self employed. We have also produced a report about the project as well as a briefing for policy makers, commissioners and service providers.