Unemployment benefits compromised if you want to start a business in CT

Today my sister and I attended a job fair where from what the organizer said included about 800+ people. Interesting the line was huge for Home Depot and Whole foods. We were there to show people that while they look for a job they should also build alternative options to working for someone else especially in this market.

We also spoke to the DOL (Department of Labor) representatives about a question we get often from our clients what if they buy a franchise can they collect their unemployment as they start the business. This question is key because if they can collect they can start being more productive and hopefully within a short period get off unemployment and start contributing and hopefully hire some people. They end up helping themselves and helping others.  

I learned today that CT has no established program for entrepreneurs who want to go from unemployment to employment. About 18 states have legit programs where people can collect unemployment as they start a business why not Connecticut? This is so short sighted in my opinion.

In our business we have found when someone buys a franchise they usually employ about 3-8 employees. Yes I agree it is not hundreds of jobs but can you imagine if we help those who are capable of learning how to build businesses what our CT economy can do?

To learn more about this topic check out the SBA site at http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-cents/laid-and-looking-start-your-own-business-unders