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One of the most significant effects of the pandemic was the loss of employment for thousands of people across the globe. Businesses that had not invested in operational, strategic, and financial resilience took the biggest hit, and most of them were forced to close. However, as the world emerges from the pandemic and starts rebuilding, many small businesses are thriving by filling the needs of a post-epidemic world. According to statistics, the world is inching closer to a new normal after over a year and a half of living in a pandemic. More people are receiving vaccines, countries are lifting travel restrictions, and people are returning to work.
There is continued optimism in the business world of a positive trend in the growth of small businesses. Consumer spending is up, and the economy is starting to peak after months of a downward trend. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics data, over four million entrepreneurs invested in new business in 2020. This comes as many others planning to start new businesses as they watch how the post-pandemic economy shapes up. This influx of new business is the largest ever in at least a decade, and it's sending ripple effects to the economy. Some of the popular business opportunities that are thriving include:
• Cleaning services
• Remote fitness
• E-commerce
• Cyber security consultant
• Online reseller
• Translation service
• E-book writing
• Online teaching
• Home care service
• Social media marketing
• Video Editing service
• Pet sitting
• Online therapy
• Accounting and bookkeeping
Some of the factors fuelling this accelerated growth include the availability of capital, increased innovation, and increased consumer demand. Technology has played a critical part in the booming of small businesses, given that that most of these startups rely on technology. It has led to specialization and industrial expansion due to increased efficiency of labor. Some of the innovations that are taking the business world by storm include:
• 5G technology
• Virtual reality
• Cloud storage
• Blockchain
• Cryptocurrency
• Use of social media
• Artificial intelligence
• Data security
Here are ways in which small businesses will impact the economy
Job Creation
Small businesses continue to employ more people bringing growth and innovation to the community. This is critical to stimulate growth in both local economies and the national economy. They help to absorb a large portion of the labor force that is not employable by larger corporations. Small businesses contribute to the invention of new products and implementing new solutions for available ideas. Larger organizations also benefit from small businesses as they outsource from them to implement various business functions.
Contribute to GDP
Small businesses add to the gross domestic product and account for about a quarter of the overall GDP of the country. With these businesses booming, the country's GDP is expected to grow significantly, leading to further economic growth.
Generating Revenue
Small businesses offer local consumers products and services, which generates revenue for local governments through taxes. When the businesses are booming, they generate more revenue leading to higher taxes. This money is injected back to the economy and supports local amenities such as schools and fire departments. Small businesses can also lead to high property values in a community, which generates more taxes and improves homeowners' bottom line.
Inspire Innovation and Flexibility
Startups and small businesses have contributed to the growth of innovation. The pandemic stimulated innovations to cater to the needs of a sick world. This new technology has added value to the industry. Small businesses have capitalized on these innovations to ensure their survival and growth, making them more competitive and leveled the playing field. Small businesses are flexible and can quickly adapt to changing economic climates. They understand community needs and are very customer-oriented. Even during the pandemic, most consumers remained loyal to their favorite small businesses, which helped keep them in business and boost the economy. Larger organizations accumulate more revenue than small businesses. This means that they have a lot to lose in times of economic crisis. Small businesses can easily adapt and keep growing, which keeps the economy growing.
Growth Potential
Booming small businesses have a lot of growth potential, and they can grow to large corporations. Typically, when a small business grows into a large organization, it tends to remain in its original location. This helps to stimulate the economy and paves the way for the development of other small businesses. Booming small businesses will shape the economy in the future when they grow into large corporations leading to more employment opportunities. Small businesses are expected to maintain the same upward trend, which is critical to pull the country from the adverse effects of the pandemic. Potential entrepreneurs are taking lessons from existing startups and are ready to bet on themselves.
