Article written by Ed Carter
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.
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.
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 opening 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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