Practical Tips For Upcoming Entrepreneurs With Disabilities
Today’s post is brought to you by Barefoot Faith Journey.
Practical Tips For Entrepreneurs With Disabilities. Disabilities come in many shapes and forms. However, these do not have to define your ability to earn an income to support your family. In fact, many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, including Richard Branson, who is dyslexic, live with some form of physical or learning difference.
As a parent or future parent with a disability, you may have resources available to you that can help you get started. A few of these include:
Free marketing tools.
Learning how to market your business may be a challenge, as it is for most. However, when you’re first starting out, you don’t have to sink all of your money into the marketing process. One example of a free marketing tool that you can use starting today is an online design service. Specifically, if you’re planning to make business cards, you can use a design template that lets you customize them with your own branding materials. If you’re not design-savvy, here’s a possible solution. Social media marketing is another low to no-cost avenue to get your message out. Sprout Social offers insight into how often you’ll have to post to get the most attention.
Online business formation services.
Business formation is available to everyone, but there are many advantages of using a digital service. First, you won’t have to leave your house. Perhaps most importantly, it’s an easy process that gives you and your small business a few tax perks, which, like rules and regulations, vary by state. Do your research ahead of time to ensure you know the steps you’ll need to take to get the job done.
Mentoring.
A business mentor is someone that has been in the shoes you’re trying to fill now. They have experience in your industry, and they often provide this service as a labor of love to ensure the next generation of leaders has a chance to enjoy success. You might also choose a business coach, which PushFar explains is slightly different than a mentor and that these are usually generalized coaches that may not have direct experience in your industry. Both have value, and they can help you start and grow your business.
Social Security benefits.
If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program. This plan is provided by the Social Security Administration. The plan allows you to set aside some of your income and resources to put toward your professional goals, even starting a business. You will have to submit an application, but it’s a fairly simple process that can help expedite entrepreneurship.
Disability-owned certification.
There are three types of disability certification. These are Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise, and Service-Disabled Veteran Disability-Owned Business Enterprise. Each of these comes with benefits, such as exclusive resources, networking opportunities, access to private-sector corporations, and industry recognition. Certifications such as these command respect and can help you grow your business by lending credibility to your efforts.
People with disabilities have more opportunities than ever before to earn and thrive. When you have children to care for, bills to pay, and a life to live, going into business for yourself may be the best option. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you market your business, form your structure, and even get up and running. Whatever type of business you choose and however you choose to start, good luck with your future endeavors, and enjoy your success.
Barefoot Faith Journey is Brandi’s blog and a great place for a good read on topics ranging from adoption to suicide awareness.
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