Is Starting a Business in a Recession Wise or Foolish?

It is no secret that the Government is relying on SMEs to stimulate both the economic recovery and jobs.
Lord Young, senior adviser to the Prime Minister, is on record as saying that a recession may actually be a good time to start a small business on the grounds that wages are low, competition may have fallen by the wayside and premises, too, may also be cheaper to get.
That’s all well and good but there is more to starting a business than having a bright idea and the passion and motivation to get started.
There are a number of other factors to consider, especially where the business is something new and innovative and therefore unlikely to raise finance from currently risk-averse banks and investors.
A start-up must carry out research, identify potential customers, set sensible targets and put all of this into a business plan.  If it needs finance it should consider alternatives to the mainstream sources, whether these are friends and family, partnering with existing firms, seed funding, crowd funding or business angels and also investigate what grants and special concessions may be available that will help in the first year or two of trading.
A mentor or business guardian to help set the path and keep things on track can also make the difference between success and failure.  It’s impossible for a novice to do everything themselves without support and joining local business networks can also be a valuable source of advice and support.
If it is the kind of venture that can benefit from collaboration with other enterprises where there is a synergy, this is an option worth exploring since partnering with existing businesses in a market will help a start-up forge relationships with both a supply chain and  potential customers.
When money is tight, entrepreneurs should explore cash saving ideas such as offering equity, or future work, or future discounts, or other benefits in kind to any business that can provide them with useful services. Examples include introduction to customers, advice, market research, book keeping & accountancy, manufacturing prototypes, provision of office space, use of specialist or expensive equipment, and many more ideas that are only limited by the entrepreneur’s imagination.
Recession or not, starting up a business is all about doing all you can to weight the odds in your favour.