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Starting a business after being laid off: where to start ?

A layoff, whether economic or personal, often marks a break in a career path. But this break can also be the opportunity for a new beginning . For many executives and employees in transition, it is the time to bring an idea, a desire, a project to fruition: to start a business .

At PROFESSIONAL OUTPLACEMENT, we support those who want to give their departure a new lease on life by building a solid and realistic entrepreneurial project.
But where do you start when you want to start a business after being laid off?

1. Take stock: am I ready to take action ?

Before you start, ask yourself the right questions:

  • Do I want to create out of passion or by default ?

  • Am I comfortable with uncertainty, risk-taking, autonomy ?

  • Do I have a specific idea or just a desire for change?

This introspection is essential. It can be facilitated by a project-oriented skills assessment , which we offer in our support.

2. Turn an idea into a project

Many people who are laid off have an idea, but not yet a project.

A project requires:

  • An identified problem

  • A clearly defined target

  • Concrete added value

  • Consistency between your skills and what you offer

We help our beneficiaries to structure this idea , formulate it and test its viability.

3. Study the market and your environment

A project that has no market place is doomed to fail, no matter how brilliant it looks on paper.

Do a simple but concrete study :

  • Who are your competitors?

  • What are your differentiating strengths?

  • Is there a real need?

  • What are the viable economic models?

This step is integrated into our “Entrepreneurial Project” workshops for outplacement.

4. Assess your resources and needs

Creating your business requires:

  • Time​

  • Funding (aid, compensation, capital, etc. )

  • Specific skills (sales, management, communication , etc.)

We support our beneficiaries in:

  • The preparation of aid files (ARCE, ACRE, CPF, etc.)

  • Connection with support networks (chambers of commerce, incubators)

  • Prioritizing needs to get off to a smooth start

5. Surround yourself

Don’t stay alone. Post-layoff entrepreneurship is often rewarding… but also emotionally volatile.

Join a support network
Surround yourself with mentors or experts
Get coaching on key aspects : posture, planning, strategy

At OUTPLACEMENT PROFESSIONNEL, we support you from framing to implementation, with specific modules dedicated to entrepreneurship in reconversion.