Deaf Entreprenurial Program

What Is The Deaf Entrepreneurial Program

The Deaf Entrepreneurial Program supports emerging Deaf entrepreneurs in developing and achieving their business goals through a direct-language model. Participants are guided by a Manager/Mentor from the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard-of-Hearing (DDBHH) ASL-signing community who provides culturally and linguistically accessible support throughout the entrepreneurial process. The program utilizes the DCCNM coffee shop as a hands-on training and sales space.

By design, the program is not intended to generate profit for DCCNM. Any revenue generated through program activities supports participant independence: 70% is distributed directly to the entrepreneur to help establish an independent brick-and-mortar business, while the remaining 30% is reinvested into the program to cover operational costs.

DCCNM collaborates with a community-based business incubator to provide complementary training and supportive learning opportunities, including access to a commercial kitchen for preparing baked goods prior to on-site sales. As entrepreneurs grow, specialty products developed through the program may be positioned for distribution to mainstream retailers, such as Costco, which regularly sources items from small and emerging businesses.

Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria

Participants will be members of the DDBHH ASL-signing community. Each cohort will include one Deaf Entrepreneur and one Manager/Mentor from the same community to ensure culturally and linguistically relevant guidance.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

• Deaf Entrepreneur: Must have completed the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Entrepreneurship application process and at least six months of training in a culinary arts program with a focus on baking.

• Manager/Mentor: Must have at least three years of relevant leadership or entrepreneurial experience and strong mentorship capabilities. (Stay tuned for job announcements in the near future)

Your donations will go towards:

• Hiring a Deaf Manager/Mentor for our program (Stay tuned for job announcements in the near future)

• The purchase of equipment

• Signage for the coffee shop

• Prize money for the current contest winner who has created the new logo and name for the coffee shop. Click to view the contest

This program enables participants to learn the essentials of business management, such as budgeting, marketing, and networking, as well as present their culinary skills.

By investing in the future of Deaf entrepreneurs, you are contributing to sustainable economic growth, helping participants overcome barriers to employment, and building a more inclusive and resilient community. Your support helps to make this vision become a reality and provides aspiring Deaf business owners with the tools they need to succeed.