Self-employment

There are also challenges to self-employment. Here are some common business start-up questions and ideas to help.

• Is your personality a good fit for being your own boss?
  Self-employment is not for everyone. There is no “right” way to be an entrepreneur, but many have some of these entrepreneurial qualities:
  • Drive
  • Self-motivation
  • Ideas, vision
  • Adaptable to change
  • Curiosity

  • Self-discipline
  • Tolerant of risk-taking
  • Persistent despite failures
  • Leadership, decisiveness
  • Commitment
    
    
• Do you have the money or other resources to get started?
  Choose a business option with low start-up costs and seek out the many grants and business loans available to people with a record. Explore borrowing equipment or tools instead of buying them to start. If you need office or building space, look for shared space options.
  
  
• Do you need training in specific areas?
  Take free online small business training from the Small Business Administration. Many community colleges offer low-cost entrepreneurship training. Your public library may offer classes or know of free classes in your area. These resources can also help you develop your goals, write a clear business plan, and figure out your budget needs.
  
  
• Do you have a network to help advise you?
  To learn about your local business community, join the local chamber of commerce, or other business organization. Make connections by joining a professional or industry association for people in your type of work. Request a mentor from SCORE or an association you join. Attend trainings and talk with people in your program about your business idea.
  
  
• Do you have a plan for addressing your criminal record?
  You may encounter discrimination. On the other hand, depending on your location and industry, it can be helpful to promote that you were formerly incarcerated. Having a strong commitment to customer service and a professional attitude will help overcome potential discrimination. Talk with a business mentor to plan your approach.
  
  
• Does your criminal record prohibit you from certain types of business?
  Learn about any work restrictions due to your conviction and about criminal records disclosure requirements. Find recent information in this state-by-state guide to collateral consequences. For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s office in your state to ask for details about the impact of your conviction on your business idea.

What type of business do you want to start? Focus on using your skills and doing tasks you enjoy as you choose your business. What types of services or products are needed in your community? Talk with your local chamber of commerce or other business organizations such as a Small Business Development Center for ideas.

Check out these business ideas and major tasks:

1. Landscaping, gardening, and groundskeeping
   Groundskeeping service businesses offer lawn and tree/shrub maintenance, rake and mulch leaves, clear snow, and more. Landscapers may improve the grounds of a home or building with sod, grass seed, planting trees/shrubs/plants, and install patios, decks, walkways, lay rock, dig beds, and more. They may also provide ongoing care such as watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
   
   
2. Driver/sales workers
   Drive trucks or other vehicles on an established route or in a set territory and sell or deliver goods. They may sell food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.
   
   
3. Rideshare or taxi driver
   Drivers transport passengers from specific locations to their desired destinations (e.g., ride-share services, taxicabs, limousines, personal chauffeurs).
   
   
4. Virtual assistant
   Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks remotely. They take on tasks such as data entry, making business calls and appointments, preparing letters and account statements, organizing files and emails, posting to social media, making travel arrangements.
   
   
5. Tutor
   Tutors provide either online or in person academic assistance to students in various subjects.
   
   
6. Pet sitter/Dog walker
   Pet sitters care for pets while owners are away, at their own residence or kennel/business location, or at the pet owner’s residence. Dog walkers exercise dogs, and may also offer dog training services.
   
   
7. Handyman/woman
   Handymen/women perform various repair and maintenance tasks (e.g., plumbing, carpentry, electrical work).
   
   
8. Residential or commercial cleaner
   Provide cleaning services for homes or businesses or other properties.
   
   
9. Freelance translator
   Freelance translators convert written material from one language to another.
   
   
10. Art and craft business
    Create handmade items that can be artistic or functional. Sell them through online platforms, or at stores or markets.
    
    
11. Barbering or cosmetology
    Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves. Cosmetologists and hair stylists provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.
    
    
12. Catering or food truck
    Caterers help clients with special events and hosting meals. They plan menus, shop for and prepare food, serve the food, and clean up after events. Clients may be businesses or organizations hosting events, families planning weddings or parties, community groups holding an annual event, charities hosting fundraisers.
    
    
13. Auto detailing or auto repair
    Auto detailing businesses give a professional cleaning to the inside and exterior of vehicles. Auto repair technicians and mechanics maintain and repair vehicles.
    
    
14. Construction and renovation
    People who operate construction businesses estimate the cost of building or renovation projects. They plan the activities and staff needed for a project, organize and schedule it, and keep spending within the budget. They often have their own tools, and perform the work themselves and/or hire skilled workers.
    
    
15. Laundry and dry cleaning services
    Laundromats offer washing and drying machines to the public for use on an as-needed basis. Dry cleaners provide clothes cleaning services using a liquid solvent instead of soap and water. Often used for high-end garments, specialty fabrics and other items that cannot be machine-washed.
    
    
16. Waste collection and recycling
    Waste management businesses collect garbage from homes and businesses. They move and dispose of it according to local regulations. They may specialize in different types of waste, including animal waste, medical, or electronic waste.

There are many programs that can help you find a mentor, obtain a business loan, write a business plan, learn essential business skills, and more. Some specifically help people with a criminal background. A basic Internet search or visit to a public library may provide a list of specialized small business services in your community. These resources are a good place to start:

Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to help start or grow small businesses. SBDCs keep lists of funding opportunities in your area and can help you find and apply for the best options for your needs. They can also help research legal and licensing requirements for a business. Find an SBDC near you.

SCORE
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, helps people plan, launch, manage and grow small businesses. They provide mentors and educational workshops. Learn more and find a mentor in your area through the SCORE program.

Inmates to Entrepreneurs
The Inmates to Entrepreneurs program offers free online classes, correctional facility workshops, and city-based events to help start businesses. Classes cover types of business, getting customers and sales, marketing, business finances, setting up a business, and sales, and more. Find the current schedule of free 8-week online programs.

Defy Ventures
Defy Ventures helps formerly incarcerated individuals in several states. They offer an entrepreneur boot camp and a business accelerator program to teach the skills needed to launch and grow a business.

ReEntry Programs
Reentry programs specialize in helping people overcome the barriers caused by having a criminal record. Many offer help with career planning, job search, and training. Some also help with starting a small business. Find reentry programs in your area to ask about self-employment services.