Small Business Tips for Parents with Disabilities
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If you are a parent with a disability, you may have more opportunities today to turn your free time into a reliable income stream. Mobility concerns often form a barrier for those who are looking to start their own business but are disabled. The demands of raising children can further complicate and make goals of small business ownership seem impossible. Where once the idea of working and raising children at the same time seemed like a pipedream fueled by questionable work-from-home schemes, the gig economy today makes flexible remote work easy. It’s not only possible to make some money from home, millions of people have taken to freelancing and other jobs in the sharing economy as a way to earn money on their own terms and according to their schedules.
Opportunities to earn money on a flexible schedule require some small business knowledge because these gig economy jobs are not jobs at all, but gigs. Gigs are usually contract-based, so you are not an employee, and therefore you have administrative responsibilities that would typically be handled by your employer’s payroll or human resources department. Since you are a contractor for most of these jobs, you are self-employed. As a disabled business owner, you may have access to some assistance in setting up and maintaining your business.
From grants to loans, financial assistance is available to those with specific disabilities. Since grants don’t need to be repaid, start your search with these opportunities. The US Small Business Association administers federally funded disability small business grants at SBA.gov. Other online resources for grant money include HHS.gov/grantsnet and FedBizOpps.gov. Grant funding might require some time and patience, but since many people are unaware of these programs, there may be funding available to help you along with your business.
Small business loan program information is also available through the SBA. Although the SBA is not a lender, they back various bank programs to encourage small business startups.
Gig Economy Opportunities
You have likely heard of the popular gig economy jobs, such as being a driver for a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft. While those with disabilities that restrict their ability to drive, many who have disabilities unrelated to driving have found successin ridesharing. Other opportunities can be remote and computer-based, such as providing writing or editing services, acting as a virtual assistant, or providing remote customer support.
Running a Small Business at Home
If you plan on working from home, it’s crucial to create a serious work environment. A proper home office is separate from any hectic activity in your home but is pleasant and close to natural light. Throwing a desk and laptop in a closet is less than ideal, but so is trying to work from your kitchen table as kids scream by every few minutes. If you have an unused spare bedroom or separate study, repurpose the room as a home office. You’ll not only enjoy a quiet area in which to do your work, but you will also possibly reap a home office tax deduction.
Make sure that you use comfortable furniture and ample lighting, as you will likely spend many hours in your home office. When you can, make sure to get out and step away though. One downside of remote work from home is the potential disconnection from others. You can combat this sense of loneliness by taking your office out on the road when you can. Bring your laptop to a coffee shop or coworking space from time to time and connect with other professionals.
The gig economy makes working from home possible for those of all abilities. Leverage available disability grants and make your small business dream come true.
By Patrick Young
