When One Door Closes...
Is entrepreneurship an option for you?
Recently downsized? Out of work? You're not alone: The Great Recession ranks worst in terms of the number of jobs lost (over eight million) compared to all recessions since the end of World War II.
In a job market like this, you might consider hiring yourself as these SBDC clients did:
Entrepreneurship is on the rise nationwide: In fact, the latest release of Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity data showed that 2009 had the highest rates of activity in 14 years.
While business ownership 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:
Small businesses are known engines of job creation--even in a recession. You could very well be one of the new firms that help bring jobs back to Pennsylvania.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Unemployment Benefits
If you are receiving unemployment compensation benefits, you may jeopardize your eligibility for benefits if you take any steps toward self-employment.
We strongly suggest reviewing the Department of Labor's Benefit Eligibility with respect to self-employment. Contact 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.
The Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEA) was a terrific opportunity for an unemployed person to start a business while receiving unemployment compensation, but it has been eliminated.
Healthcare
Health reform legislation will bring big changes, but if you lost your job, your health insurance may have gone with it. Pennsylvania's Insurance Department is a great source to help you understand your insurance options.
How the SBDC Can Help You
- 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.
- Partnerships often enable us to offer our First Step workshop to you at no charge. You must mention your situation during registration in order to have the fee waived.
- 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.
- 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
Success Stories
Links
Local Unemployment Assistance
Find Your Local CareerLink Office
Find A Job
Pennsylvania Unemployment Assistance
Pennsylvania CareerLink Website
Health & Human Services Resource Guide (PDF)
Federal Unemployment Assistance
United States Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Back to top 
