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If you have a disability, pursuing a business might seem like a huge mountain to climb, especially if you feel held back in other ways. However, it is more than possible with the various opportunities available both on and offline. Read on for some pointers from 2 Dogs and a Laptop.
Decide on an idea
Many great businesses have come from simple yet useful business ideas people have needed or wanted. The key lies in finding what that is for you and your target audience. If you don’t want to start big, going with an online business is a cost-effective way to start a smaller, more affordable business venture.
Furthermore, if you start an online business you don’t have to worry about commuting somewhere else if mobility is an issue for you. Don’t let your disability limit you when you can simply run your business from the comfort and safety of your home. If you want a business that is already established, Signarama notes that franchises are also a good option. If you still find that you’re stuck on what to do, resources that can help spark your creative brainstorming process include your local Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association.
Write up a business plan
Once you have an idea you’d like to go with and that you believe will be profitable, it’s time to draw up a business plan. Growthink points out that your business plan will be an essential component when it comes to putting your business on the path to success because it is your blueprint of how you will get there. Essentially, your business plan will summarize all the significant aspects regarding the running of your business, such as how you’ll raise the funding you’ll need to kickstart your business, a detailed summary of what you’re going to be doing or selling, what your company’s financial projections are likely to be in the short, medium and long term, etc.
Marketing needs to be accounted for in your business plan. If you’re searching for cost-effective marketing strategies, consider learning about content marketing on Cornerstone Content. Content marketing is a great way to improve your web presence and draw more attention to your website. Best of all, it’s inexpensive to implement, which can be crucial when funds are tight.
Decide on a structure for your business
If you intend on building a business right from the beginning, one of the things you’ll need to do is decide on a structure for it. Starting a business that operates as a North Carolina LLC could be the easiest route for you as a result of its simplicity, i.e., lesser paperwork to manage and more flexibility with regard to its management structure. Additionally, some advantages come with owning an LLC, such as pass-through taxation and limited liability if you have a fair amount of personal assets you want to protect from litigation. You should speak to a business attorney and/or accountant to decide on the best course of action for you and your business.
Raise capital to move forward
Raising enough capital to move forward with your business ideas is likely the biggest hurdle to climb in getting started. However, you may find this part to be the easiest with the grants, business loans, and assistive technology loans that are available.
Make your home office disability-friendly
If you have chosen to work from home, then this presents a unique opportunity to customize your home office as you want it. Changes might include creating a more open plan space so that you can freely move around if you have a wheelchair, making your office desk height adjustable to accommodate your wheelchair, adding handrails and bars for support and to help you reach things much more easily, using assistive technology devices to help make work much more manageable.
Of course, if your current home can’t accommodate your home office needs, it’s time to consider buying or renting a more accessible location. If renting is your choice, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of properties in a good number of neighborhoods with a range of amenities. In fact, there are currently more than 250 apartments available for rent in the Greensboro, NC area alone.
Owning and managing a business is possible for anyone, whether you have a disability or not. Just make sure you access all of the tools available to make it easy for you to get going along the way. With all this in mind, you’re sure to become the successful entrepreneur you’ve always wanted to be.
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