Here’s Why 2020 Could Be The Best Time To Start A Business

Even though sentiments about the state of the economy is downbeat, there are many signs that actually point to this being a great (perhaps even best) time to start a business – whether it’s an idea you’ve had for years, a side hustle to earn extra income, or finally take action to solve a pain point you, and many others you know, have.

#1 New Opportunities Come As People Work, Play And Live Differently

Before COVID-19, people’s normal way of life has already been formed over time – what their needs are, where they frequent, and which businesses cater to their wants.

Rent in high-traffic areas would already be priced in to account for the increased footfall. Many retailers and stalls would already have sprung up to serve the daily needs of customers.

However, COVID-19 has totally transformed travel patterns, consumption preferences, and there is a void in the needs of many people’s socially-distanced lives.

It has opened a huge market for online conferencing solutions, virtual events, collaboration tools, next-generation social networks, better last-mile logistics solutions, home entertainment and more.

It can be costly and time-consuming for even the most forward-looking and agile incumbent companies pivot, while new businesses that start now can be laser-focused to build products and offer services that people need now, and into the future.

#2 Abundance Of Talented Candidates On The Job Market

A side effect of slowdown in traditional companies’ hiring, as well as the unfortunate retrenchments, mean that the estimated 100,000 retrenched workers as well as graduates of the Class of 2020 will be actively on the job market.

During time of economic prosperity, workers might be more reluctant to leave their existing jobs, and graduates might be more choosy on the kinds of companies they will join. The artificial bubble created by venture capital money also distorts salary expectations for sustainable companies that need to make a profit.

During a recession such as this, companies would have access and incentive to attract top talents, which we know is a critical ingredient for business success. The SG United Traineeships programme further incentivises companies to hire fresh graduates by subsidising part of their allowances for up to a year.

#3 Whole-Of-Government Effort To Grow Singapore’s Economy Today And Tomorrow

Historically, Singapore is known for getting ambitious national projects done, thanks to private-public partnership.

Whether its rapid industrialisation in the 1960s, or push for science and technology in the 1990s, great growth and opportunities have always followed when Singapore sets its sights on a national objective, and commits investments and infrastructure towards its realisation.

With the four successive Budgets in 2020 as well as series of ministerial addresses, the government is clearly articulating its vision for the future, as well as a concrete roadmap for achieving its plans. Entrepreneurs can refer to these plans when coming up with their own business ideas.

Further, there is a whole slew of government grants, incentives and packages that encourage hiring workers, adoption of digital solutions, and expansion plans in general during this current period.

#4 Low Interest Rate Environment Plus Liquidity Injected Into The Financial Markets

In an attempt to stimulate the economy and help companies maintain much needed cashflow, central banks around the world have slashed interest rates to historic low levels.

Furthermore, to ensure Singapore companies have affordable access to credit, the Singapore government have introduced schemes in which they take on the majority of the risk-share for these loans, and increased the quantum for many government-assisted loans.

Whether its trade financing, bridging loans, machinery acquisition, or overseas expansion, access to credit for SMEs is now cheaper and more accessible.

#5 Lower Opportunity Cost Coupled With Stronger Motivation

The difficulty for many people who have existing jobs is the high opportunity cost of leaving the stability of a salaried job, along with abandoning bonuses and other perks, in order to start a business of their own.

In the current economic climate, the opportunity cost is much lower because of retrenchments, pay cuts, and non-existent bonuses.

Alongside the lack of upside of remaining in their current jobs, the desire to earn more or diversify their income streams can be a powerful source of motivation for people to spend their evenings or weekends laying the groundwork for their own business – whether that is a side hustle or a full-fledged company of their own in time to come.

These Silver Linings Apply To Existing Companies As Well

Even though we highlighted these silver linings for starting businesses during this COVID-19 recession, many of these benefits in the business environment apply equally to existing companies – if they are willing to adapt and seize new opportunities.

Towards this end, you can join the DollarsAndSense Business Community to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, freelancers and self-employed persons to share ideas, ask questions and learn to build stronger, better businesses that not just survive COVID-19, but thrive.

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