Entrepreneurship Guide Toolkit
This guide will help entrepreneurs find information and resources for their business. It is divided into the following sections: Plan Your Business, Launch Your Business, Grow Your Business, Exit Your Business, and provides links to resources for each stage of business development. Download Guide
Small Business and Public Benefits Toolkit
Starting or growing a small business can create new opportunities for income, independence, and financial stability. For individuals who receive public benefits, however, questions often arise about how self-employment income, business assets, and business growth may affect eligibility for benefits and support programs.
The Small Business and Public Benefits Toolkit was developed to help individuals, families, service providers, benefits counselors, and workforce professionals better understand these important considerations. The toolkit provides practical, easy-to-use resources that support informed decision-making at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
What’s Included
The toolkit contains 10 practical documents designed to help users:
- Understand the relationship between self-employment and public benefits.
- Explore key questions before starting a business.
- Learn how earned income and business assets may impact benefit programs.
- Prepare for conversations with benefits counselors and service providers.
- Access tools and resources that support successful business ownership.
- Navigate common challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs who receive public benefits.
Who Should Use This Toolkit?
This resource is designed for:
- Individuals who receive public benefits and are considering self-employment.
- Current small business owners who receive public benefits.
- People with disabilities pursuing entrepreneurship.
- Family members and supporters.
- Benefits counselors and community navigators.
- Employment specialists and workforce professionals.
- Service providers and community organizations.
How to Use the Toolkit
The toolkit can be used as a self-guided resource or as part of discussions with benefits counselors, employment professionals, and other support providers. Users may review the documents in order or access individual resources based on their specific questions and needs.
Access the toolkit resources below to get started:
BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS – This fact sheet explains how different business structures impact Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are self-employed or considering starting a small business. While all business owners must report Net Earnings from Self-Employment (NESE), the structure of a business can also affect SSI eligibility and how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates income and resources.
NET EARNINGS FROM SELF-EMPLOYMENT (NESE) CALCULATOR – This Net Earnings from Self-Employment (NESE) Calculator is designed to assist benefits planners, counselors, and professionals in accurately determining NESE for individuals who have started or are thinking about starting a small business.
Accurate NESE calculations are essential because Social Security uses self-employment income differently than wage employment when determining benefit eligibility, deductions, and continuing disability status.COMPARING SSI AND SSDI RULES FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND SMALL BUSINESS INCOME -This fact sheet compares how Social Security treats self-employment and small business income under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs. Although both programs use Net Earnings from Self-Employment (NESE) to evaluate income, the rules, reporting requirements, and impacts on benefits differ between the two programs.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT & HEALTHCARE – Helping you protect your healthcare benefits while pursuing self-employment.
HOBBY VS. SELF-EMPLOYMENT – How Social Security Determines the Difference
GIG ECONOMY BASICS – Gig economy refers to a growing segment of the workforce engaged in short-term, flexible, or task-based work, often facilitated through digital platforms. Common examples include rideshare driving (e.g., Uber, Lyft), food delivery (e.g., DoorDash or Instacart), freelance services, and online contract work.
SMALL BUSINESS & SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS – Critical Questions to Ask Your Benefits Counselor
REPORTING SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME FOR SSI AND SSDI RECIPIENTS – If you are self-employed and receive Social Security benefits, you must report your earnings and work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reporting is required whether you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI, or both.
FINDING A BENEFITS COUNSELOR WHO UNDERSTANDS SELF-EMPLOYMENT – Get the information you need to make informed decisions about your business and benefits.
VETERANS BENEFITS OVERVIEW – This document provides an overview of the most common cash benefits available to veterans with disabilities. It also explains how self-employment earnings may affect these benefits, and how they interact with Social Security disability programs. The VA administers two primary cash benefit programs: Disability Compensation and Veterans Pension. In some cases, veterans may also receive payments through military retirement programs administered by the Department of War.
