Extraordinary Ventures presentation at the Summit on Employing Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Conference on Pioneering Small Business Models, January 27-29, 2014. Chapel Hill, NC.
1. Creating Meaningful Jobs for Adults with Autism
Social Entrepreneurism in the Community
Van Hatchell
January 28, 2013
2. • Takeaways:
Who We Are:
Extraordinary
Ventures, Inc.
– A real business
– Employing 40 adults on the spectrum
– A replicable model
3. • Unique Features:
Who We Are:
Extraordinary
Ventures, Inc.
– A portfolio of businesses
– Jobs designed and focused on the
individuals
– Serving the whole spectrum
– Young entrepreneurs managing the
organization
4. 2013 Paid Employment Hours by Venture
EV Structure:
A Balanced
Portfolio
EV Office
Solutions
Event
Space
Rentals
EV Laundry
EV Bus
Crew
EV Gifts
Other
10. • Entrepreneurs run a business
How it
works?
• As businesses become “profitable” we start
another ventures
• Our natural deficit is made up by donations
• The goal: Businesses that break even whose
employees are happy and fulfilled
11. • Characteristic of ideal job:
What kind of
jobs?
– Communicated Visually
– Repetitive tasks
– Consistent Cadence
– Not Rocket Science
16. How do we
train our
employees?
• Process of onboarding an employee:
– Walking interview
– Skill assessment
– Hands-on training
– Structure using TEACCH Method
17. • Parents organized to solve the problem
Our History:
Early Days
• Getting started
• Accepting Trial and Error
18. Finding Our
Footing
• Create businesses that fit the employees
• Managing on business principles
• Hiring young entrepreneurs