By Ed Carter, Contributing Writer for Autism Spa
As a parent who wants to start your own small business, you may feel that you lack access to the time and energy necessary to build a company. You also have autism, which may require you to approach your business and its plan with even more nuance. Times have changed, providing more business opportunities to the disabled community. These tips and ideas should illustrate that now is a better time than ever before to get a company up and running. Don’t forget to visit Autism Spa News for more empowering disability-related content!
Consider a Home-Based Company
You may feel more comfortable working in an environment that you have total control over. Perhaps you prefer lamps instead of overhead fluorescent lights or a fragrance-free environment. Either way, operating from the comfort of your own home keeps you in the driver’s seat, and it could make it easier to spend time with your kids. Plenty of sites let entrepreneurs sell products or offer services online and connect with their customers the same way.
Look Into Grants and Other Special Financing
Some entrepreneurs with disabilities have access to special grants and other financing opportunities. Special government agency sites note entrepreneurship resource options for those with disabilities. Besides financing opportunities, take special note of educational links such as self-employment information for persons with disabilities, accessible IRS tax products, the IRS’s disability-related provisions, and Chambers of Commerce for those with disabilities.
Create a ‘Doing Business As’ Name
While you could have a single business idea now, you may want to branch out and diversify. If so, consider establishing a “doing business as” name. DBAs are registered business names that established companies use that aren’t legal business names. So though you may have a fictitious name registration, bear in mind that DBAs aren’t business structures like limited liability companies or sole proprietorships. Besides providing new services or products, you may also set up a DBA if your desired business domain isn’t available.
Research Online Assistance
If you’ve never operated a business before, you may not know where to begin planning. Some government sites provide articles and resources for entrepreneurs with disabilities to help them construct a viable business plan, find a mentor, and create a commercial site. Such resources can be of great help in formulating and fine-tuning your ideas to maximize their potential.
Find Your Target Customer
Which customer base would you like to target and connect with? Perhaps you want to market to other parents or those with disabilities. Either way, identify what your target customers like, their lifestyle, how they like to shop, how they prefer to receive information, and the company culture they appreciate. By gathering as much information as possible, you develop a better understanding of the business you want to build and how to build it.
Choose a Marketing Strategy
Once you assemble a picture of your target customer base, work on a marketing strategy that helps you connect with your audience. This strategy may include social media marketing and using your business website smarter. Your strategy could change over the months as you understand what works and what doesn’t, so try not to feel discouraged if you must make adjustments. Let your customers help you refine your strategy, so you don’t feel you have to do it all yourself, which could help you save time and energy that you can devote to other parts of the business and spending time with your family.
No matter your parental status or abilities, you may find great enjoyment in starting your own business. Hopefully, the above insights offer you peace of mind, excitement and encouragement.
