Self-employment driving BC business
Originally posted on www.hivevancouver.com
The Small Business Profile 2011 has been released, and BC is once again Canada’s second most entrepreneurial province. Since 2007, self-employed businesspeople with no paid staff have consistently made up over half of all BC businesses (57% in 2007, 2009, and 2010, and 56% in 2008).
Unsurprisingly, the areas on the rise are primarily business services (accounting, marketing), and “other” services (culture, recreation, information), sectors where experience, technology, and creativity allow entrepreneurs to trim down on waste, while maximizing productivity, resources, and service. The phenomenon is is directly related to the birth and boom of car-sharing, hot-desking, and other traditionally commitment-heavy services.
Convenience, flexibility, use of technology, and most importantly, a pay-as-you-go fee structure are replacing the old standards. A luxurious office on the high street is no a longer necessary status symbol to attract customers. A dynamic website, and good customer service can come from a coffee shop or a basement suite, and a conference room with state-of-the-art amenities and a spectacular view can be rented by the hour.
What else does this modern and sleek creative professional need? You can be sure that businesses that answer this question are next to start growing.
One of the most recent industries to enter the mix is childcare. Officially mandated in 2010, Occasional Childcare is the momtrepreneur and self-employed parent’s daycare. Budding Children’s Garden & Daycare markets directly to these professionals. An early learning environment and emergent curriculum, on an hourly basis. Like Car Co-op and Zipcar, reservations are made via a user-friendly website, and you only need to pay for what you actually use.
Using technology to meet the needs of modern business people is a wave that may eventually crest, but for the service providers on the ride, there are tonnes of variations and opportunities.
