How to Use the San Diego Regional Center to Start a Business: A Simple Guide

Yes, you can use the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) to help your adult child start their own business.

This is a powerful but often confusing process. As a parent, you have struggled enough. Here is a simple guide to help you get the small business support your child deserves.

The system is complicated, but your path through it can be simple. It all comes down to two key things: the Self-Determination Program (SDP) and a "magic phrase" for your IPP meeting.

Step 1: The Self-Determination Program (SDP)

The SDP is the key that unlocks everything.

In the old system, the Regional Center picked your services for you from a list of vendors. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives you the control. You get a budget, and you get to choose the services and providers (like me at Caliminds Launchpad) that you believe are best for your child's future.

If you are not in the SDP yet, tell your SDRC coordinator you want to join. This is your first and most important step.

Step 2: The "Magic Phrase" for Your IPP Meeting

Your IPP (Individualized Program Plan) is your legal plan with the SDRC. This is where you state your child's goals.

At your next IPP meeting, you need to add a new goal. Tell your coordinator:

"I want to add 'Supported Self-Employment' as a goal in my IPP."

That's it. That is the "magic phrase."

"Supported Self-Employment" is the official service name for a program (like mine) that provides mentorship and coaching to help an autistic adult start a business.