Source: WFMY News 2

Asheboro, NC -- Starting your own business in this economy may seem crazy because of all the hurdles.

John Sutton wanted to start a business but couldn't afford to give up his unemployment benefits.

So, he and his wife are tapping into a new program that will allow them to reach their dream.

"It almost feels like I was being pushed out of the life of necessity into the life of what you want to do, what you're good at, what you're best at," Sutton explained.

The Suttons received a scholarship into the "Growing America Through Entrepreneurship" or GATE program.

For more information on the program click here.

It allows them to keep their unemployment benefits without having to look for a full-time job.

They are able to make starting their own business their full-time focus with the help of business counselors.

Randolph Community College is one of the sites for the federal program.

To qualify, candidates must live or have lost a job in one of North Carolina's 85 rural counties.

Source: WFMY News 2