If a person cannot read or write, how can they possibly be expected
to operate a profitable business?
Answer:
Operating a small business is a matter of degree.
Many small business owners perform all or most of the necessary
functions, but many do not. Writing a business plan, for instance,
is outside the expertise of many entrepreneurs, so Small Business
Development Centers and a host of business consultants exist to
assist. Literacy is not a prerequisite for business ownership. Inventiveness
and support focused on accomplishing particular tasks is required.
For instance, if someone cannot write, but must complete invoices
at the point of product sale, perhaps customers can fill out their
own receipts; a touch screen computer at the sales desk can use
a graphical interface to guide the owner (or customer); or an employee
or business partner can manage these tasks.
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- The VCU-BARC Self-Employment & Social Security Pages
have been developed in conjunction with Griffin-Hammis
Associates, LLC. The contents do not necessarily represent
the policy, interpretations or opinion of the Social Security Administration
(SSA). The information contained here is intended to inform readers
of issues that may affect Social Security and/or other public assistance
benefits. Because individual circumstances differ, the reader should
not rely on any information here as being specifically applicable
to an individual's situation. Readers are encouraged to contact
a BPAO benefits specialist to discuss her or his specific situation.
