Starting a business while unemployed can be both a challenging and empowering way to take control of your financial future and turn passion into profit.
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Losing your job or being laid off can be scary, but it can also present some unique opportunities. Starting an LLC while on unemployment could be one of them. You might find it surprising that it’s even possible (and legal) to start a business while collecting unemployment benefits. But it is, and for some, it’s a first step toward entrepreneurial freedom.
But it’s important to note that unemployment benefits might look different while you’re starting a business. In this guide, we’ll cover the key considerations to make if you’re hoping to start a business.
It’s completely legal to start a business while you’ve filed for unemployment. No state laws exist to say that you can’t do so. However, state laws do vary regarding what unemployment benefits will look like if your business earns revenue. Some states will reduce your benefit amount based on the income you receive from your small business. Other states actually offer a specific program to help unemployed individuals start a new business instead.
Ultimately, you’ll need to consult your state’s unemployment laws to learn what the terms are in your area.
There are some advantages to starting a business while on unemployment. For one, it can be a good way to test out and research new career opportunities. Even though you’ll have to dedicate a lot of time to seeking new employment, you can still find opportunities to brainstorm business names, learn about business entity types, and more.
But, of course, a big benefit is the income. Granted, unemployment benefits aren’t as large as your paycheck. But when you’re starting a business, even a small stream of income can help fill in the gaps for your family.
There are also some drawbacks to starting a business on unemployment. First, your time will be limited since you will have to actively seek new employment to receive unemployment benefits. You’ll have some spare time, to be sure, but you can’t work full time on starting your business. Dreaming up your business idea or going to entrepreneurial training will have to wait until you’ve done your job search for the day.
Plus, if you’ve filed for unemployment, your budget might be a little tight, which can make it difficult to have start-up capital — or even solicit it from a bank. Every business needs start-up capital to avoid a problem called undercapitalization (when a business doesn’t start with the funds it reasonably needs to operate). Often, small business owners, especially those who start an LLC, fund their start-up from their own pockets. If you’re collecting weekly unemployment benefits, that money might be limited.
Ultimately, the success of starting a business during unemployment varies depending on the type of business you’re starting (some businesses require very little money to start). And, of course, no matter how much money you have, your business can only succeed if you dedicate enough time to it.
In some states, unemployment insurance benefits aren’t the only options available to workers. Self-employment assistance programs are also an option. A few states have these programs to encourage people on unemployment to start a business.
Self-employment assistance (SEA) is an alternative to unemployment benefits offered in five states to date: Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon. These assistance programs encourage unemployed workers to create their own jobs by becoming entrepreneurs.
To qualify for an SEA program, an individual must have eligibility for unemployment benefits. But instead of meeting job search requirements, individuals under SEA benefits can work full-time toward starting a business. These self-employment activities can even include business counseling, technical assistance, and other formation activities.
To be eligible for SEA benefits, you first need to check that you’re eligible for regular unemployment benefits. If you are, you should contact your state’s unemployment insurance office to inquire about SEA programs (if they’re available where you live). They’ll direct you to the proper paperwork to get started.
If you have eligibility for benefits through your state’s SEA program, you can apply through your state’s unemployment office. Then you’ll receive your benefits. Currently, SEA benefits are actually equivalent to regular unemployment insurance benefits.
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Starting a business — even while you’re taking unemployment benefits — doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Here at ZenBusiness, we help first-time business owners keep the stress of starting a business to a minimum by handling the red tape. We can even start your LLC for you for $0 (plus state fees). And then we’ll support you with helpful tools like a registered agent, filing your annual report, and more.
Can I start an LLC while on unemployment?
Generally, yes. You can start an LLC while on unemployment. You just need to be aware that the time you must put into searching for a job will take away from the LLC. Plus, any income you earn will likely detract from your total weekly benefit amount.
I’m worried about having enough funds to start a business. Where can I get help?
There are ways to get business funding, as long as you know where to get financial assistance. Federal and local small business grants are a great option. Some banks offer special loans for small businesses, and you might even be able to partner up with someone looking to invest in small business opportunities.
Can I collect unemployment while starting my own business in Illinois?
Most likely, yes. You can start a business in your spare time while collecting Illinois unemployment. But you’ll still need to meet the state’s requirements for collecting unemployment, including proving that you’re seeking a new job. If the money from your business exceeds the weekly benefit limit, you won’t receive unemployment benefits that week.
Can I collect unemployment while starting my own business in Minnesota?
You can probably collect unemployment while you’re starting a business in Minnesota, as long as you meet the state’s other eligibility requirements. You must actively seek new employment, and any business earnings you make will detract from the weekly amount you receive.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
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