Being a parent is hard enough, but being a parent with a disability can feel impossible. You’re juggling so many things and are unsure where to start. But what if we told you that you could start your own business? That’s right, with some careful planning and the use of some great online tools, you can get your small business up and running in no time. Project 70Forward explains more here:
Creating a Business Plan
The first step in starting any business is writing a business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and potential for success. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of resources available online, so take your time to research and prepare.
QuickBooks notes that your business plan should also include a section on your target market.
Who are the people that need or want your product or service? When you know who your target market is, you can start thinking about how to reach them.
Selecting a Business Structure
Once you have your business plan created, it’s time to select a business structure. This decision will have legal and tax implications, so it’s essential to choose carefully. If you’re unsure which structure is right for you, we recommend talking to an attorney or accountant who can help you understand the pros and cons of each option. Or, you can save money and connect with an online formation service.
As a parent with a disability, you can benefit from setting up your business as an LLC (Limited Liability Company). This structure will help protect your personal assets if your business is ever sued or incurs debt, plus operating as an LLC in North Carolina affords certain tax advantages. It can also yield some significant tax advantages.
Researching Grants and Other Funding Options
As a small business owner, it’s important to know all the funding options available to you. If you have a disability, several organizations offer grants specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities. The government offers grants through the SBA, and there are also many private grants available.
GrantWatch.com is an excellent resource for grant information. The website allows users to search for grant opportunities by keyword, category, or deadline. It also offers a helpful newsletter that gives subscribers access to the latest grant announcements.
These grants can provide funding for a wide variety of business needs, from start-up costs to marketing and expansion. It’s essential to research the different grants available and find one that best suits the needs of your business.
Using Online Tools To Stay Organized and Productive
Parenting while trying to run a small business can feel like herding cats, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are tons of great online tools to help parents with disabilities stay organized and productive while they grow their businesses.
For example, a PDF file merger tool lets you upload multiple PDF files and combine them into one cohesive document—perfect for busy parents who need to keep track of multiple orders or client requests at once. Many PDF programs are free to use and easy to navigate, making them one of the most useful online tools for small businesses.
Further, there are many affordable web builders that can help you create a website with minimal design experience. These tools make it easy to create a professional-looking website without having to learn coding or design principles. One such tool is Wix, which offers a wide range of templates and customizability options. Weebly and Squarespace offer similar features.
Conclusion
There are tons of resources available to parents with disabilities who want to start their own businesses. And you can quickly lay a firm foundation for your small business by planning and using the right tools. We hope this article was helpful and that you now feel empowered to take the next steps in starting your own business venture!
