To start a business is hard enough on its own, but doing it with a disability without the proper guidance will only compound that difficulty. However, when navigated correctly and used to one’s advantage, any disadvantage can become the only needed advantage to succeed. According to the Social Security Administration, a disability is anything that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity due to physical or mental impairment. While many parents with disabilities qualify for SSA benefits, these benefits are not always enough to cover living expenses or the expenses of running a family. Entrepreneurship provides opportunities for parents with disabilities to provide for their families while having a fulfilling, flexible career.
AngelytiX can guide you every step of the way as you plan to start your business. In the meantime, it’s important to take some considerations into account.
Make Your Own Accommodations
When you apply for a job, there are accommodations employers have to make. But as the owner of your own business, you have the ability to decide on the accommodations you require. Starting a home-based business allows you to set up your office to accommodate your disability and stay on top of any medical regimen.
Running your business from home keeps you close to your children. However, while you may have more time to spend with your kids, make sure to keep your business and family life separate. Teach your kids the rules of the business. Establishing a routine should be your first order of business. If your children know that you work through the hours in the early morning, they are more likely to give you peace while you work. If you have clients who come to your home, explain to your kids how to behave when clients are in your office.
Seek Special Financing Options
To start a business, you need financing. The most common funding options for small businesses include:
- Using a savings account
- Opening credit card accounts
- Seeking crowdfunding
- Applying for loans
- Finding investors
The Small Business Administration sponsors small business financing options. Instead of a traditional loan from a bank, you may qualify for an SBA loan. The SBA backs the loan to minimize the bank’s risk.
Unlike loans, investors and crowdfunding do not require you to pay the money back. Angel investors finance businesses for a share of the equity in the business. On the other hand, crowdfunding involves creating a business proposal to convince people to contribute to your company.
There are grants available for certain types of business owners who have disabilities. For example, the National Arts and Disability Center provides grants to artists. If you require assistive technology to run your business, you may also be able to obtain loans specifically for equipment.
When looking at loans, it’s best to keep your personal and business finances separate, but it’s common for new business owners to tap into their home equity for a cash infusion at the start. If you decide to go this route, make sure you find the best cash out refinance rates so that you’re at least getting a great interest rate and, hopefully, better loan terms.
Grow Your Business
As you prepare to open a business, you have to choose the structure. Your choice of the business structure depends on your business’s needs regarding liability, record-keeping, and taxation. You may also want to file a DBA or “doing business as” name for your business. If you have a variety of products you want to sell, a DBA allows you to branch out under a different domain or give you the chance to market yourself under a domain that isn’t available.
If you plan to hire help, research before you hire employees. New hires require a lot of paperwork. Make sure you understand the positions you need to fill and thoroughly vet the hires, as well as your responsibilities towards them, especially in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Truclusion’s bilateral approach ensures that organizations are able to provide truly supportive environments for all employees.
Keep in mind that the only way to run a successful business is to market it. Consider setting up social media accounts for your company. Given most people are on social media nowadays, it is often the most effective way to reach your market.
When it comes to starting a business as a parent with disabilities, there are many challenges ahead of you. However, with the right advice, you can make your dream come true.
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