BizSugar.com › Startups › Laid Off and Want to Start a Business? Self-Employment Assistance Programs May Help

Many Americans use unemployment as a springboard to business ownership. But unemployed workers face a fundamental challenge when it comes to starting a business – how do you start a business if you risk losing your unemployment benefits simply because you aren't actively looking for a career-job? In an effort to address this issue, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Act of February 2012, made available $35 million to encourage states to enhance and promote Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs. SEA entitles unemployed individuals to claim jobless benefits while getting access to small business development assistance. Learn more.