Why do you want to start a business? I see this as a means to the end. I read a great book written by a Navy SEAL that was adamant about first identifying the target and THEN choosing a weapon. Starting a business, in this context (and in my opinion), is the weapon. If you have 12 months of runway I would start by really taking the time to learn who you are at a level you never have before. You lost your job, but you have gained an opportunity to find out what *you* truly want out of life and THEN figuring out what tactics you develop to move forward toward a life that is congruent with your values and interests.