Entrepreneurship is a way for anyone regardless of their immigration status to start their own business or work for themselves. Entrepreneurial career pathways do not require work authorization and include options such as starting a business, independent contracting, freelancing, or joining a worker cooperative. Undocumented individuals without work authorization can make money through entrepreneurship using an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Starting a Business
Individuals can start their own businesses and become business owners regardless of their immigration status. According to the American Immigration Council, there are over 823,000 undocumented entrepreneurs who have their own business. Business owners are able to generate income, support themselves and their families, and have a meaningful career.
An undocumented individual will need an ITIN or EIN to work and pay taxes as a business owner. (To apply for an EIN, an individual needs a SSN or ITIN.)
Helpful Resources – Starting a Business:
- TheDream.US + Immigrant Finance – State Business & Tax Registration Requirements for Immigrants Guide
- TheDream.US – 2023 Summer Career Series Recordings
- TheDream.US – 2022 Summer Career Series Webinars
- Immigrants Rising – Spark Entrepreneurship Training
- Immigrants Rising – Starting a Business Resource Library
- NYSYLC – The Non-Citizen’s Guide to Entrepreneurship
- NYSYLC – Independent Contractor Guide
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Free counseling and training to small businesses
- Small Business Majority – Free training and support for diverse small business owners
Independent Contracting & Freelancing
The terms “independent contractor” and “freelancer” are often used interchangeably. They are self-employed individuals or businesses that work for others as non-employees, maintaining independence and control over their work.
An undocumented individual will need an ITIN to provide services and pay taxes as an independent contractor or freelancer. See Entrepreneurship stories featuring TheDream.US Alumni and others here.
Helpful Resources – Independent Contracting & Freelancing:
- TheDream.US – Independent Contracting Webinar
- Immigrants Rising – How to Get Started as an Independent Contractor/Freelancer
- Immigrants Rising – Independent Contractor Brainstorming Worksheet
- Immigrants Rising – Independent Contractor Forms video
- NYSYLC – The Non-Citizen’s Guide to Entrepreneurship
- Upwork and Fiverr – Use freelance platforms to explore independent contracting options and to sell your talents and services
- Freelancers Union – Training and support for freelancers
Worker Cooperative
A worker cooperative (or worker co-op) is a business that is both owned and managed by its members. A worker co-op is a worker-owned business. Members of worker cooperatives join by investing time and/or money in the cooperative and make decisions about how the cooperative will be managed. When cooperatives make important decisions, each member gets a vote.
Helpful Resources – Workers Cooperatives:
- Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) – Supports worker co-ops and works to expand the worker co-op model for immigrants and communities of color
- U.S. Federation of Worker Co-Operatives – National grassroots membership organization for worker cooperatives
- NYSYLC – Worker Cooperative Guide
- NYC Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative
- Green Worker Co-Operative (based in NYC) – Incubates environmentally sustainable worker co-ops and offers an intensive 5-month Co-Op Academy
