Institute to Help Disabled Goes Into Business Selling Cartridges

For the last four years, the SEED Institute has been providing disabled would-be entrepreneurs with intensive training in business basics such as writing a business plan, marketing and budgeting. Now, the Irvine-based nonprofit has gone into business for itself.

SEED, which stands for Self-Employment of the Enterprising Disabled, recently opened Cartridge King of Southern California. The new firm remanufactures print toner cartridges and has targeted area small businesses and government agencies as potential customers.

Cartridge King, a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, serves two purposes--giving aspiring entrepreneurs business experience and raising money for SEED, which now relies mostly on government and corporate grants for its annual $200,000 budget. “By the time our grants run out in two or three years, I want SEED to be self-sustaining,” SEED Executive Director Julie Damon said.

Cartridge King projects to break even this year on revenue of $45,000. Next year, it anticipates a profit of $37,000 on sales of $90,000.

Business has been brisk since Cartridge King opened its doors in June. Surrounding businesses have snapped up the remanufactured cartridges and demand is growing, Damon said. Remanufactured cartridges cost 30% to 40% less than new ones, Damon said.

“So far I’m satisfied, said Cartridge King customer Bob Hunt. “The copies look crisp.”

Cartridge King employs two full-time and four part-time disabled workers. The full-timers are paid $10-12 per hour. The part-timers work three to five hours per week for no pay but have access to SEED’s marketing, secretarial and accounting services to help them with their fledgling start-ups, which include a cleaning service and a fine arts business.

Cartridge King employees collect used cartridges, replace and/or repair worn parts, refill cartridges, package them and sell them. The company accepts donations of laser toner cartridges and printers, which are tax-deductible.

SEED purchased the Cartridge King dealership for $13,000. Cartridge King has 50 dealerships nationwide and works only with rehabilitation agencies. Information: (949) 417-1187.