Allstate, one of the nation’s largest personal lines insurers, is looking for a few entrepreneurs to open their own insurance agency despite the current economy.

The insurer announced that it is seeking agents and financial specialists to open 30 new offices in Maryland and another 50 in Virginia, including the metropolitan area of the District of Columbia, as a regional effort to expand its presence. The company recently announced its plans to open 81 new offices in Pennsylvania.

The company says in addition to having the drive run their own business, ideal candidates should also have $50,000 in liquid capital to open a new Allstate agency.

Dave Prendergast, field vice president for Allstate’s Capital Region said in a statement that the economic downturn “is fueling business professionals from all career levels to seek out second career choices.”

He added that the company is willing to provide insurance education to help “hit the ground running” and that agencies are run independently, but with the support and direction “from one of the largest insurance companies in the country.”

Allstate said new agents will be able to sell the company’s auto, property-casualty and financial services.

To foster new small businesses, Allstate points out that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains $30 million for expanding the Small Business Administration’s micro loan program, providing loans of up to $35,000 and technical assistance for small businesses.