Note: Today's post is a guest contribution from Ed Carter. We appreciate your patience and hope that you find the following to be beneficial and worthwhile.
Running a successful business requires a significant investment of time and energy, especially in the early days when you're trying to build a customer base. Doing so while looking after a child is challenging, and dealing with the limitations of living with a disability means finding ways to work around those difficulties and make the most of your talents. Wine & Dimes shares some financial insights.
Get Your Business Off to a Good Start
Before you start doing the hard work of running a business, you need to have a good business plan and choose the right structure for your business. Each structure has different tax and accounting requirements. Getting all the legal and financial issues worked out early will make life less stressful.
Take Advantage of Financial Support
There's a lot of financial support available for entrepreneurs and even more for those who are living with a disability. Find out if you can still claim Social Security, and look into the various grants available for business owners. Even a small cash injection can help you get your business off to a good start.
Hone Your Skills
Consider studying for an online MBA so that you can be more confident in your skills. An MBA will help you understand corporate finance, economics, marketing, strategic planning, and other issues. Studying on your own terms online means you can work in an environment tailored to your disability and fit your studies around the demands of being a parent. The MBA could help you grow your business and will also prove useful should you ever decide to return to a normal office.
Market Yourself Clearly
You are the face of your business, so be open about who you are and the challenges you face. Many people like to shop local and buying from someone who has beaten the odds to succeed is appealing. If it makes business sense, tell the world you're a disabled parent as part of your marketing.
Work Where You Choose
Just 40% of people with disabilities in the United States are employed. One of the issues that makes it hard for people to hold down a job while living with a disability is the working environment. Working from home, or in an office or store of your design, makes it possible for people with disabilities to work productively in a variety of positions.
Enlist Reliable Help
Making the decision to hire a friend to work for your business is not something that should be done lightly, but it can be a smart move in some cases. If you have reliable friends or relatives who are looking for a job and who have the skills you need, consider recruiting them either on a permanent basis or for occasional assistance. Make sure you document everything and that boundaries and expectations are clear so you do not risk your friendship because of business issues.
Planning Is Everything When Running a Business
Running a business as a disabled parent is not easy, but the rewards can be hugely satisfying. Make sure you have a good business plan and take advantage of any financial support available to increase your chances of success. Be proud and vocal in your marketing, and choose the right team and location to maximize your chances of success.
About writer: Many people are unaware of just how many options they have when it comes to financial assistance and planning, so Ed created Able Futures to help people with disabilities prepare for a secure and stable financial future. For more information feel free to visit https://ablefutures.org. Ed can also be contacted at ed@ablefutures.org.
Note: This blog reflects my opinions/the opinions of its contributors and is for informational and/or entertainment purposes only. This blog does not reflect the opinions of any organisations with whom we are affiliated. This blog is not intended to serve as a substitute to professional financial advice and guidance. As such, if the reader places any reliance on this blog, he/she alone accepts all risks and damages. Please schedule a formal meeting with a financial professional before taking any actions. We reserve the right to change the focus or content of this blog at any time.
Comments