Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Disabled Entrepreneurs Sell Their Wares at Annual Mini-Mart

 OCONOMOWOC – The Department of Workforce Development announces the 18^th Annual Home-Based Enterprise Mini Mart at the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc on Aug. 29-30. Retailers, wholesalers and shoppers are invited to attend.

The semi-annual Mini Marts feature new products by clients of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Home-Based Enterprise program. Over 200 products from clients across the state will be on sale for retailers, wholesalers and the general public. DVR’s Home-Based Enterprise program, begun in 1938, helps disabled Wisconsinites find ways to earn money at home through private enterprise. HBE teachers assess clients skills and potential, and guide them in choosing an enterprise. HBE currently serves 422 disabled Wisconsinites.

"The Home-Based Enterprise program is one of DVR’s unsung heroes," DWD Secretary Linda Stewart said. "Our HBE program fosters creativity, builds successful business skills, and helps clients become self-sufficient."

This year’s Mini Mart will feature everything from hand-made soaps and lotions to wrought iron kitchen implements, from sundry fine arts to a miniature biosphere for fish and water plants called Kats Creation. Past Mini Marts have launched nationally successful products like the Aromaglo oil lamp, which netted its inventor $6,500 in its first 3 months. Mini Mart vendors are capable of filling large orders, and some do custom work.

"Our HBE teachers work wonders developing the talents and products of their ingenious, hard-working clients," DVR Administrator Tom Dixon said. "The Mini Mart is a great networking resource for connecting HBE business people with retail and wholesale buyers."

The Mini Mart runs from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on Tuesday, August 29 and from 8:30 A.M. to 2 P.M on Wednesday, August 30, at the Olympia Resort conference center in Oconomowoc. Take Summit Ave./Hwy 67 Exit north off I-94 in Oconomowoc, follow signs to the conference center.

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