If you are ready to take the plunge into the world of entrepreneurship, you may already have the best office space in town. Read on for five of the best small businesses that can be managed largely from the safety and comfort of your own home, with additional information on funding and home modifications to make your home office work for you.
Need to make home modifications before starting your at-home business? The specialists at HandyPro promise excellent work that meets structural and safety standards! Request an estimate today!
Real estate. Realtors are independent contractors that help others find and purchase new homes, farms, and commercial and industrial properties. People with disabilities are uniquely qualified to help others in the same position determine the best housing option for their situation. Realtors often have the option of working from their home office or from a corporate or satellite location.
Marketing. Marketing is the practice of helping businesses sell their products or services through a number of different strategies including search engine marketing, radio ad placement, and word of mouth.
Graphic design. Graphic designers are a specific type of marketing professional that help businesses relay visual information about their services. A graphic designer might create packaging and business cards or come up with eye-catching patterns and designs for holiday stemware, book covers, or clothing. Digital artists are also responsible for creating logos and working with company professionals to unify branding strategies.
Online tutor. Online tutors may assist students with homework, teach English to non-American pupils, or offer home education to children with disabilities.
Artisan. People with disabilities often channel their creativity in ways that other people can’t. Colletta Collections is anexcellent example of a company that utilizes the talents of those with physical and cognitive impairments to craft jewelry, scarves, and furniture.
In addition to the above, there are dozens of careers that offer people of all abilities the opportunity to take control of their financial destinies.
Starting your venture
If you have a limited cash flow, you’ll need funding for your business, whether to buy equipment or simply to pay for utilities, food, and other expenses while you get the ball rolling. TheSmall Business Administration is the premiere resource for entrepreneurs seeking information on starting a business; however, the SBA offers very few grants (free money) for business owners, regardless of physical abilities. A more-likely scenario is that you’ll need to take out a small business loan.
Most financial institutes offer special loan programs for people with disabilities. If you’ll be making home modifications that will also enable you to work remotely (more on that soon), you may qualify for special financing through the USDA Rural Housing and Repair Loan and Grant Program, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, or other federally funded resources.
When starting an at-home business, you may want to register as a limited liability company. Benefits include less-complicated bookkeeping, flexible management structure, and pass-through taxation. Setting up an LLC typically requires five steps, but this can vary depending on the state you reside in.
Home modifications for better business
While only you know which modifications are right for you, you may also consider a few that will help your alternately able customers feel more at ease at your home-based business. Common accommodations include:
- Wider doorways and wheelchair entrance. People in wheelchairs require a wider clearance in order to freely navigate an office, home, or storefront. Likewise, a wheelchair ramp will make it easier for disabled patrons to pay you a visit. It typically costs $1,200 - $2,400 to install a ramp.
- Oversized monitors for the visually impaired. Your office should also have large easy-to-read monitors for visually impaired clients.
- Accessible bathroom. Safety grab bars (which you can purchase for around $22) and no-slip flooring are invaluable bathroom modifications.
For help making these (and other) accommodations, reach out to the professionals at HandyPro for superior work and service.
No matter what you decide to do with your career, don’t let your disability discourage you. There are plenty of ways to get around even the most hard-to-overcome obstacle. For more information on the skills you do need to work from home successfully, check out this article from The Work at Home Woman.
