Title: Why we built Pontia

> Who it’s for, how the money plan works, and how we keep you inside your benefit’s rules. Plan and build a business with your country’s official start-up support.

Source: https://pontia.xyz/us/about/
Checked: 25 September 2026

About

# Why we built Pontia

Who it’s for, how the money plan works, and how we keep you inside your benefit’s rules.

Who it’s for

## You’re not stuck. You’re starting.

Whatever has kept you out of a 9-to-5, there is an official route to building something of your own.

-   [
    
    ### Young and between things
    
    Not in school or work right now? Build something that’s yours, with free local help and no scams.
    
    See what’s open to you](https://pontia.xyz/us/young-people/)
-   [
    
    ### Health condition or disability
    
    Work in a way that fits your health, not a timetable that doesn’t.
    
    Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)
-   [
    
    ### Caring for someone
    
    Build around the hours you actually have.
    
    Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)
-   [
    
    ### Out of work for a while
    
    Turn the time into something that’s yours, with support while you start.
    
    Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)

## Nothing to hide. Something to build.

Start-up support exists to be used. Telling your benefit office, keeping good records and building something real is exactly what it’s for. That’s something to be proud of.

[Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)

Budgets

## Two budgets. One clear picture.

Your life comes first, then your business. See both side by side and know exactly what you can spend.

Living budget

Rent, bills, food and a buffer come first. Whatever is left is yours to choose with.

Startup budget

Grants and lump sums for the business, plus what you choose to put in. Every tool you add is counted.

## Stay on your benefit while you build

On most benefits you keep looking for work while you build, and in several countries the work on your project counts towards it. Your plan shows exactly what each scheme asks at your stage, runs your job search alongside your project, and never files anything for you.

-   Which schemes need a job search, and which don’t
-   Where your business work counts as job search
-   A job-search record your adviser will accept

$0

forever

Always free

## Free for you. Always.

No card, no trial that runs out, no premium plan, no hidden charges. Every feature is free for everyone.

-   No card needed
-   No trial that runs out
-   No hidden charges
-   Every feature included

**How we stay free.** When we recommend a tool, some links pay us a small commission if you choose to sign up with them. It never costs you more, and we always show the free option first.

[Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)

[Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)

## Related guides and tools

-   [Start your business without risking your benefits](https://pontia.xyz/us/)
-   [Your unemployment work search log, done in minutes](https://pontia.xyz/us/unemployment-work-search-log/)
-   [Start a business on unemployment: your state](https://pontia.xyz/us/self-employment-assistance-calculator/)
-   [Between school and work? Build something that’s yours.](https://pontia.xyz/us/young-people/)
-   [US Unemployment Work Search Index 2026](https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-work-search-index/)
-   [US federal support for starting a business in figures, 2026](https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-startup-support/)
-   [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), New York](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-ny/)
-   [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance, Oregon](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-or/)
-   [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance Program, Mississippi](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-ms/)

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Pontia is free and independent. It is not a government service and not financial, tax, legal or benefits advice; always check the official source linked on the page. Some tool links are affiliate links: we may earn a fee at no cost to you, and free options come first.

Contact: hello@pontia.xyz

Cite as: "Why we built Pontia", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/about/ (updated 25 September 2026)

Whole site in one file: https://pontia.xyz/llms-full.txt