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In Barren Job Market, to Get a Job, Create One

Recession becomes the mother of invention for would-be businesspeople

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 14, 2009 9:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – New businesses are sprouting up across America as unemployed people running out of time and money decide that the only way to get a job is to create one, the New York Times reports. Economists say now is the time in the downturn cycle when "forced entrepreneurship" starts, and this time around, the Internet is making it easier for aspiring people to get their ideas—from web design services to jellyfish aquariums—off the ground.

The failure rate for small businesses is intimidatingly high even in boom times, but economists believe those who do succeed may be sowing the seeds for an eventual turnaround. That's because small businesses, collectively, employ a sizable chunk of the workforce. And corporate downsizing has left huge numbers of talented people available.

Interest in entrepreneurship is surging as people searching fruitlessly for jobs decide to invest their energies in creating their own instead.
Interest in entrepreneurship is surging as people searching fruitlessly for jobs decide to invest their energies in creating their own instead.   (Shutter Stock)
People wait to talk on an unemployment benefits hotline at an Employment Development  office in San Jose, Calif.  The darkest days for the job market are likely still to come, most analysts say.
People wait to talk on an unemployment benefits hotline at an Employment Development office in San Jose, Calif. The darkest days for the job market are likely still to come, most analysts say.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
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If there is a silver lining, the large-scale downsizing from major companies will release a lot of new entrepreneurial talent. It’s a Darwinian unleashing of talent into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Mark V. Cannice, director of a university entrepreneurship program

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
bacimom
Mar 15, 2009 8:07 PM CDT
Troubles with current economy include all the entrpreneurs whose businesses slowed and they are broke with no credit and no unemployment dollars.
Guest
Mar 15, 2009 3:58 AM CDT
Oh please, just plan for a downturn. There's no reason to have no savings.
Guest
Mar 15, 2009 2:25 AM CDT
It reminds me of the Pheonix rising from the ashes story. It seems to me there is always a resilient force in society that will respond to tough times and seemingly desperate straits. From one end of the globe to the other, people are getting those pesky lemons and...well you know the rest...
 

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