What is the Industry-Driven Support Model?
The Industry-Driven Support Model is being developed and tested as a resource for low income entrepreneurs with disabilities. The model is focused on bringing entrepreneurs from all parts of Alaska with various disabilities together through one common theme, owning a small business within a similar industry.

The training sessions focus on a specific topic (e.g., Finances or Marketing) for a specific industry (e.g., arts and crafts or service businesses). The networking sessions focus on discussions around the training topics and how to network within and outside of one’s own community.

What does the model offer to entrepreneurs?
Industry-Driven: Entrepreneurs recruited based on similar businesses to offer a chance to connect with and learn from people who share a common interest

Focused training: Training offered based on a single topic, such as financial management, to allow more in-depth exploration of the topic

Networking sessions: Networking sessions offered with focused discussions around training topics and how to network within and outside of one’s own community

Web-based delivery: Interactive, real-time web conferencing software used to provide training for people throughout Alaska

What is so important about networking?
Involvement in social networks can influence the economic well being of individuals and  their communities.¹ In addition, entrepreneurs who have diverse networks within their local community and outside their local area have a higher chance of business start-up success.²

Networking sessions are intended to provide a place for participants to share ideas, offer suggestions and support to other participants, share their own challenges and ask questions, encourage participation in professional and trade organizations, and get to know other participants on a deeper level. Unlike the training sessions where a presenter does the majority of talking, networking sessions are participant driven and facilitator guided.

^{1. Putnam R. Making democracy work. NJ: Princeton University Press, 1993., 2. Vennesland B. Social capital and networks in forest-based rural economic development. Scandinavian Journal of Forestry Research 2004; 19: 82-9.}

Reports and Products
Building Virtual Bridges: A guide to distance delivered microenterprise training for individuals with disabilities using an Industry-Drive Support Model.

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Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.