Anyone who recently graduated from college or lost their job through layoff knows how difficult it can be to find a new job. Not only are you competing against other graduates and laid off workers for the few available positions left in this down turned economy, but you have to hope that if you are lucky enough to land a new position you won’t wind up out on the street again in a few months.
So naturally the question has to be asked: Why would anyone want to put themselves through all that? And most people will probably say they wouldn’t, but they don’t know what else to do. Well, if you have ever contemplated starting your own business, now is the perfect time.
Resources are Less Expensive in a Down Economy
It’s happening at grocery stores and retail outlets, car dealerships and real estate offices. It’s happening in businesses all across the country. Prices are coming down, deals are being struck, and discounts are being offered. That’s why now is the time, when resources are less expensive, to strike out and start a new business.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy reports that since the mid-1990s, small businesses have generated over 60 percent of new jobs. A small business is defined as one with 500 or less employees. Plus the 2009 Recovery Act eliminates fees to borrowers and allows the SBA to guarantee up to 90 percent of each loan. Naturally having a conservative financial plan can help keep overhead costs low.
Talented People are in Abundance in a Down Economy
The fact is that there are a lot of people out there looking for the right business opportunity and not all of them have a great idea for starting a new company. But they do have talent and are eager to get onboard with a winning idea. Donnie Deutsch of the television show “The Big Idea” indicated in an interview that now is the time to find people “on the cheap,” whether that means employees or vendors.
That means savvy entrepreneurs need to put their networking skills to work and make a connection with people who they can partner with and who can help make the company a success. In fact, 64 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed for the book “Upstarts: How Gen Y Entrepreneurs are Rocking the World of Business” indicated they started their company with a partner.
The Larger Companies Cut Back in a Down Economy
According to Julie Lenzer Kirk, award winning entrepreneur and author, “As the economy is struggling, so are all those businesses with overhead and large payrolls. They’re busy bailing the water to keep their ships afloat. Starting up now, when you can be flexible and nimble means that you can float right by those sinking ships. After all, customers still need stuff – they’re still spending money, just not enough. The new business can be created to give them what they need – whatever that is – while everyone else is busy bailing.”
Plus as larger, established organizations cut their budgets because of decreased revenues, they are in no position to start a new venture. That means now is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to get started before someone else steals their great idea.
New Entrepreneur’s Have Less to Lose in a Down Economy
It may be scary, but college graduates especially have less to lose right now mainly because most of them don’t have a lot of financial commitments (except perhaps their student loans). They may still be living at home, without a mortgage or family to support, their needs are few and their willingness to sacrifice their own comfort is high.
In his article, “How Can Your Small Business Grow in a Down Economy?” small business coach Dave Westfall suggests that entrepreneurs not limit themselves. He illustrates how to expand a company by exploring other options, such as a private personal trainer now offering group training or a real estate property manager offering services to mortgage companies that want to rent out foreclosed homes.
It’s all about exploring options and finding those niche markets that others have overlooked or walked away from. And while it’s important that entrepreneurs select an opportunity that matches their interests and take the time to investigate it thoroughly, it is possible to become an entrepreneur in a down economy.
Richie Irizarry and Jose Quinones-Guzman are both military Veterans who had a dream of owning their own coffee business. Their vision is to serve the military community in the Fayetteville, NC area to serve the Fort Bragg Military community. They like the sense of community and it is important to them. The newest location for Village Coffee opened in February 2015.