21.257—Self-employment.
(a) Approval of self-employment as a vocational goal.
A program of vocational rehabilitation benefits and services may include self-employment for an individual if VA determines that such an objective is a suitable vocational goal. VA will make this determination based on—
(1)
The results of the individual's initial evaluation conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 21.50; and
(b) Definition.
For purposes of this subpart, individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment means individuals who have been determined by VA to have limitations affecting employability arising from the effects of each individual's service-connected disability(ies), which are so severe as to necessitate selection of self-employment as the only reasonably feasible vocational goal for the individuals.
(c) Scope of self-employment benefits and services.
(1)
VA may provide the self-employment services listed in paragraph (d) of this section to program participants who are pursuing the vocational goal of self-employment.
(2)
VA may provide the more extensive services listed in paragraph (e) of this section to individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment.
(d) Assistance for other individuals in self-employment.
Subject to the provisions of § 21.258, VA may provide the following assistance to any individual for whom self-employment is determined to be a suitable vocational goal—
(e) Special self-employment services for individuals with the most severe service-connected disability(ies) who require self-employment.
Individuals described in paragraph (b) of this section who are in a self-employment program may receive—
(f) Feasibility analysis of a proposed self-employment business plan.
VA will conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the feasibility of a proposed business plan, as submitted by the individual or developed with VA's assistance, prior to authorizing a rehabilitation plan leading to self-employment (a “self-employment plan”). The feasibility analysis must include—
(4)
Availability of financing from non-VA sources, including the individual's personal resources, local banks, and other sources;
(5)
Evidence of coordination with the Small Business Administration to secure special consideration under section 8 of the Small Business Act, as amended;