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Paul's Insights: Over 200,000 Australians launch new business during pandemic

Plenty of Australians have seen their working week - and income - cut short as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. But in true Aussie have-a-go style, around 200,000 of these people have turned the situation around, using it as an opportunity to start their own business.
By · 19 Oct 2020
By ·
19 Oct 2020
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Figures from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) show that new business registrations jumped 10% in the first six months of 2020 compared to 2019. The real action started in May, when businesses registrations rose 22%, followed by a 43% increase in June. In total, over 200,000 new businesses have set up shop so far this year.

A pandemic may not seem like the ideal time to launch a new business. Realistically though, it’s a risky step at any stage. It can also be an outstanding investment – if the business goes well, the rewards are high.

Running your own show sounds good, and assuming it works, it is. However, as I found, starting a business from scratch means you’ll probably end up working a lot harder for a lot longer than you would in a paid role – especially in the early years. You also need to carefully manage cashflow, bearing in mind that money needs to be set aside for tax.

That said, if you’re prepared to work hard, making the leap into self-employment can be life-changing. But making a success of a new business rarely happens by chance, and it’s important to draw up a business plan. A great sounding business idea doesn’t always translate into a viable business, and a well-researched plan can show if your proposed venture is likely to work.

It also pays to tap into every bit of support. Fortunately, there is plenty of that available right now.

The 2020/21 Federal Budget expanded the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NIES), which delivers mentoring and financial support if you’re starting a new business.  From 15 October 2020, budding entrepreneurs can access NEIS if they are working 25 hours a week or less. This makes it easier to get a business up and running even if you’re studying or caring for kids.

There is also a variety of grants available to new businesses. These are worth looking into, and a good starting point is the business.gov.au portal, though other grants are listed on the websites of state/territory governments.

Support is also available through the private sector. Mastercard has just announced its ‘Getting Back to Small Business’ package, offering local small businesses access to around $5,000 worth of tools and services, plus educational resources to help the business make the most of the digital economy. Head to the Mastercard website for more details.

 

Paul Clitheroe is Chairman of InvestSMART, Chair of the Ecstra Foundation and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Despite the pandemic, over 200,000 Australians launched new businesses due to the potential high rewards of successful entrepreneurship. The increase in business registrations, especially in May and June 2020, indicates a strong entrepreneurial spirit and the availability of support systems for new ventures.

Starting a business during a pandemic can be a risky yet rewarding investment. While it requires hard work and careful cashflow management, the potential for high returns makes it an attractive option for those prepared to take the leap into self-employment.

New business owners in Australia can access support through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), which offers mentoring and financial assistance. Additionally, there are various grants available through business.gov.au and state/territory government websites, as well as private sector initiatives like Mastercard's 'Getting Back to Small Business' package.

The NEIS provides mentoring and financial support to new entrepreneurs, making it easier to start a business even if you're working part-time, studying, or caring for children. This scheme is part of the expanded support measures in the 2020/21 Federal Budget.

To ensure the success of a new business, it's crucial to develop a well-researched business plan, manage cashflow carefully, and tap into available support systems. A solid plan helps determine the viability of your business idea and guides your path to success.

A business plan is essential when starting a new business as it helps assess the viability of your idea and provides a roadmap for success. It ensures you have a clear strategy and can anticipate potential challenges, making it a critical tool for any entrepreneur.

Mastercard's 'Getting Back to Small Business' package offers local small businesses access to $5,000 worth of tools and services, along with educational resources. This support helps businesses leverage the digital economy and enhance their operational capabilities.

New business owners can find information on available grants by visiting the business.gov.au portal and checking the websites of state/territory governments. These resources provide comprehensive details on various grants and support options for new ventures.