Recession Spawns Micro-Entrepreneurs
The recession has spawned a new generation of self-employed microbusiness entrepreneurs.
But they are not typically the innovators that many hope will lift the country out of choppy waters. Rather, they are what economists call “forced entrepreneurs” — like Staci Byers.
The Hartland, Conn., mother of eight — with four children still at home — lost her job as a trucker six months ago. Her husband, also a trucker, lost his job at the same time.
“You’re working one day,” said Byers, 50, “and, all of a sudden, you’re unemployed by no fault of your own.”
Byers is throwing all of her time and money into making and selling herbal medicine and teas — a hobby she had taken up over the years.
They are the face of this new, yet familiar, generation of microbusinesses. The housecleaners. The handymen. The home-based retailers. People who have fallen on hard times and see no other way of keeping afloat than to create jobs for themselves.
This rise has Jim DeBetta’s phone ringing off the hook. The Marietta, Ga., business consultant, who coaches start-up business owners, said he has been so swamped with calls from people who have lost their jobs that he hired an assistant to handle the flow.
“In a way, there are a lot of good things that’ll come from people looking to take control of their own destiny,” he said. “That kick in the butt is just what they needed.”
Photo by Hartford Courant.
Jaclyn on June 22nd, 2009 2:09 pm
I think Byers should do very well for herself in this business of herbal medicines and teas. Many people now a days are looking for all natural ways to heal illnesses as often times prescription drugs tend to have more side effects that the illness does itself, and many people enjoy herbal teas as well. I am a big fan of all kinds of teas for self medicating, i have everything from calming tea to teas that help with colds, and even a tea that has been proven by some to cure certain types of cancer. Good luck to her in the future!
RedHotFranchises on June 23rd, 2009 1:36 am
The recession is indeed spawning more entrepreneurs to start their own Business as they are being layed off. Franchises also continue to do very well, despite the current economic conditions as most have a proven track-record of success and this takes away a lot of risk. Visit http://www.redhotfranchises.com to see many opportunities available from nearly every industry.
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