Life has its divide up of both up and down and sun-drenched moments. There are clouds and then there are silver linings (but at least it's a nice day for a walk). While nearly everyone of us would pigeonhole the depression as the mother of all clouds, it too has a silver inside layer. The recession has sparked a big upswing in consumerist pursuits, and petite businesses are cropping up just about the country.
According to a recent study by the Kauffman Foundation a Kansas City, Mo., organization dedicated to supporting free enterprise, "Rather than making history for its deep recession and evidence joblessness, 2009 might instead be remembered as the year business startups reached their highest level in 14 years -- even exceeding the number of startups during the peak 1999-2000 technology boom."
Although the uppermost barb in startup rates was among people ages 35-44, many young people are also turning toward owning their own businesses as an alternative to finding a full-time, entry-level job.
"Young people are keenly aware of the recent economic downturn, and have seen parents, relatives or friends lose their jobs," says Alice Horn, executive director of the South Florida chapter of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurs. "They understand they cannot count on the same job -- or even the same career -- for an extended period in the future. For growing numbers, this means 'making their own job' as entrepreneurs.
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