To think it's impossible to come off benefits to start own business?

[HipHipHippoo]

I have been claiming income support for a couple of months after being made redundant from my job. I found another recently but now they've changed the original requirements to include one weekend day which I can't do as I'm a lone parent.

I really want to start my own business as a childrens party organiser. People always remark on my children's parties, and I've organised and hosted them for friends children too. I know it involves weekends too, but I could do it with my DC around. I just know I could make it a success.

I spoke to the advisor at the job centre about how I can survive while establishing my business, whether I can receive partial housing benefit while I'm not earning much at the beginning and so on. She pretty much told me it's not worth the effort

I have no support or savings and am really struggling to survive on benefits. I just don't understand how I can transfer to my own business and survive (without being fraudulent!) Has anyone else managed it and could possibly offer any advice? Or is the advisor right and it's just not possible?

Sort your business plan out then register as self employed, once you have done that you can make a claim for housing benefit and tax credits. You will need to provide proof of earnings to HB at regular intervals for them to calculate how much rent to pay but you can do it if you want to and are serious about making it work. Good luck

Sorry, but I call bullshit on what you say you've been told. Trust me, people coming in for interviews who want to work are a godsend to advisors.

Get another appointment ask about New Enterprise Allowance. If your idea is actually feasible ie you have a workable business plan etc, there is help available.

www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-enterprise-allowance-campaign

If you'd actually used a bit of gumption you could have found this out for yourself......if you want to be successfully self employed you need to show a bit of initiative - suppliers, business loans etc won't come looking for you, you will have to find them.

OP I cant fault your enthusiasm, however, no start up is a dead cert. They are all a financial risk and many fail, your own business is all consuming and stressful. Worse if you have a family to support and kids at school. It can also take a long while to turn a profit let alone earn a decent living.

No one is knocking your idea, but speaking from experience, 9 years of a successful business, started with two young kids, there have been times where it has been hell on earth, it hasnt been as flexible as at could be for child care, financially we are fine but we always worry in case things change.

Just be prepared for your initially idea to change dramatically, change your working hours to suit your customers, keep banging in the hours in case it goes quiet as you cant afford to take your foot off the throttle especially if you have kids to feed.

Sorry, it sounds all negative but it is reality, many start ups actually arent worth the stress especially if you have little financial security and a family who rely on you.