[eupharis]

The state of Oregon at least has programs specifically targeted at you. Basically, you get unemployment money while devoting yourself full-time to building your business. You don't have to apply for outside jobs. It's the "Self Employment Assistance Program."

http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/ES/SEEKER/pages/self_employment...

I've heard the guys at Urban Airship in Portland made use of the program. They just raised $25 million in funding this past February.

From a tax perspective, it's a pretty enlightened policy.

[ktrgardiner]

These programs also exist and are active in Delaware, Maine, New Jersey and New York.

[crazygringo]

What is the program in New York? Regular unemployment requires that you be fired, and unable to find work.

[niggler]

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/ui/claimantinfo/specialprovisio...

It requires, though, that you collect unemployment for some time first

[Spooky23]

Also keep in mind that the NY max benefit is $405/week.

You could make this money part-time bartending and skip the red tape.

[tomasien]

Getting a part time bartending job is really hard where I live. If I could bartend on weekends, I'd make 50% of what I make now and that'd be plenty.

[ktrgardiner]

You can find more information at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/specialprovisions.sh...