281—56.20 (259) Business initiatives.
	 56.20(1) Entrepreneurs with disabilities (EWD) program. Pursuant to rule 261—56.1(15), the purpose of the EWD program is to provide technical assistance, business development grants (up to $10,000) and financial assistance grants (up to $10,000) to qualified Iowans with disabilities. EWD is administered by the Iowa department of economic development in collaboration with the division and the department for the blind. The EWD rules (see 261—Chapter 56) are fully included by reference herein. The following paragraphs supplement 261—Chapter 56:
	  a.   	 If a client has previously received educational or training equipment from the division through another rehabilitation program and the same equipment could be used in the client’s proposed business, the division may limit or deny EWD assistance to the client.
	  b.   	 If a client no longer uses equipment purchased for the client under this program, the equipment shall be returned to the division.
	  c.   	 The EWD program requires 51 percent ownership by the client in a for-profit business.
	 56.20(2) First Step program. A client whose business idea requires less technical and financial assistance than is available through the EWD program but who will earn from the business at least 80 percent per month in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), as defined by the federal Social Security Administration, may pursue small business ownership through the First Step program. Unless a written exception is approved by a supervisor, the division shall contribute to a client no more than $1,000 for technical assistance and no more than $2,500 for financial assistance. If a client no longer uses equipment purchased for the client under this program, the equipment shall be returned to the division. If the business grows, it may be considered for the EWD program with the expenditures not to exceed the EWD limits minus the expenditures covered by the First Step program.