When One Door Closes

Recently downsized? Out of work? In a job market like this, you might consider hiring yourself.

While entrepreneurship is not for everyone, if you’ve been thinking of starting out on your own, now may be time - particularly if you have a way to profit from the recession. It’s not all bad! Some inspiration:

• 2009 Will be an Economic Engine for Change
  Harvard Business Publishing
• Start Now: 6 Reasons Why This Economy Is Good For Startups
  OnStartups.com
• How the SBDCs are helping
  TribLive

What You Need to Know Before You Start

The Self-Employment Assistance Program(SEA) is a terrific opportunity for an unemployed person to start a business while receiving unemployment compensation.  Check the Department of Labor website to see if you are eligible for the program and willing to accept its requirements. The SBDC often partners with SEA for training programs and “graduates” of this program to come to us for continued guidance in starting a business.  

NOTE: If you are receiving unemployment compensation benefits and are ineligible for the SEA Program, you may jeopardize your eligibility for benefits if you take any steps toward self-employment. We’ve been told this can be as strictly defined as the point you purchase business cards for yourself!

• Contact your SEA Representative through your local Pennsylvania CareerLink before taking any action to start a business so you do not risk losing your benefits. Best to be safe on this.
• Read success story about how SEA and the SBDC partnered to help one man become an Inc. 500 winner
  

How the SBDC Can Help You

1. Through our resource partners, we can help you address concerns unique to your situation. These could include repairing credit, finding healthcare options, and looking at more non-traditional sources of financing.
2. If you have been laid off in the last six months, we will offer our First Step workshop to you at no charge. You must mention your situation during registration in order to have the fee waived.
3. Our free online tutorials will walk you some of the things you need to consider to get started, including business plan preparation, franchising basics, and accessing credit.
4. Free, confidential one-on-one consulting will help you assess the feasibility of your business idea and assess the realities of your financing options.

Let’s Begin

• Review some of the Frequently Asked Questions about starting a new business
• Contact the Small Business Development Center nearest you to begin the process.
• Visit our Start page to review success stories and other resources to help you start your new business.

Success Stories

Orionvega	Keggle Brewing	Slowboy Racing