When One Door Closes...
Is entrepreneurship an option for you?
Recently downsized? Out of work? You're not alone: The 2007-2009
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. 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. Analysis of 2007 Census data shows that young firms still account for two thirds of all jobs created. 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
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 losingyour benefits. Best to be safe on this.
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
Important Healthcare Update
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes changes to the health benefit provisions of COBRA. Under the new law, eligible former employees, enrolled in their employer’s health plan at the time they lost their jobs, are required to pay only 35 percent of the cost of COBRA coverage. Employers must treat the 35 percent payment by eligible former employees as full payment, but the employers are entitled to a credit for the other 65 percent of the COBRA cost.
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
Back to top 
