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Starting a Business: Tips for Parents with Disabilities

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Starting a Business: Tips for Parents with Disabilities

Starting a new business is a big undertaking, and for those who are parents, it can be a stressful one. You want to make sure you can still provide for your family while also creating a business that is successful and meets your needs, but there’s a lot to think about. From ensuring that you have enough funding to get up off the ground to deciding whether to set up a storefront or work from your home, there’s a lot to think about.

Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to get started. Finding the right type of funding is key, so research the grants and loans that are available especially for individuals who are living with a disability. Think about your current physical and mental health needs and what they may be a few years from now. Will your business be sustainable at that point?

Keep reading for some great tips on how to start a business while living with a disability.

Look for Funding

Funding your business is one of the most important parts of the process, so it’s important to do some research to find the best fit for your needs. Whether you need a small business loan with a low interest rate or a grant that you don’t have to pay back at all, finding the money to make your startup a success will help you stay afloat during the first year without adding stress to your daily life. Look into the various types of available funding (SBAs, term loans, and business lines of credit, for example), and do some research on grants for individuals with a disability.

Look for Business Opportunities That Fit Your Needs

Starting a new business when you’re living with limited mobility or health issues can be tricky, so consider all your options when it comes to how you’ll run your company. There are many options for businesses that you can do from the comfort of your own home, such as boarding or dog walking. This is a great opportunity not only to make money, but it can also boost your mental health, as spending time with animals can reduce stress and even lower blood pressure.

Find Resources

It’s important to know and understand your rights as a business owner, and there are many websites that have helpful resources for you to peruse. Check this one for info on how to find benefits, grants, and your rights as an American with a disability. You can also look for a mentor to help support you while setting up your business and making it through the first year. This support system is hugely beneficial and will give you the tools you need to stay motivated.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is a necessity when you’re living with a disability. Not only will it help you keep your physical health in check, but it will also allow you to focus on your mental health and reduce stress and anxiety even when your plate is full both at home and at work. Take the time to focus on your needs every day and feel better, especially when you start to feel yourself getting irritable or if you’re having physical issues. Taking time out for your needs will keep you looking forward even when life gets busy.

Starting a business when you’re living with a disability -- and have lots of responsibilities to take care of -- is a big job. Starting with a great plan before making any decisions will ensure that you’re able to turn your ideas into a successful business for years to come.