I assume that we're talking about starting companies here? Because once you become larger you have the same benefits as everyone by being employed by your own c

I assume that we're talking about starting companies here? Because once you become larger you have the same benefits as everyone by being employed by your own company. With that in mind I think unemployment benefits or similar is the wrong way of thinking about it. You aren't really unoccupied, you just currently aren't getting paid enough for what you do. This is a lot more similar to being a student. So student benefits is probably a better match. For instance if you could take the student loan from you masters degree "quota". In general I think low cost of living is the best safety net there is for entrepreneurs.