Become your own boss
Pandemic has people rethinking views on work
They’re able to take control of their life and income, and still provide care for their family. Tracey Goodall, Rotorua Business Chamber
Covid-19 may have shaken up the business world but, for many, it has opened up doors to becoming their own bosses.
Experts say changes in employment and people rethinking their future has meant a rise in people wanting to “take control of their own destiny” and start a business.
Many out-of-towners were also eyeing up the Bay of Plenty as a good place to set up shop.
Rotorua Business Chamber’s Startup Clinic manager Tracey Goodall said there had definitely been an increase in the number of people wanting to start their own businesses.
She said more than 75 applicants have wanted to join the chamber’s business training and advice programme in the past six months.
The clinic has 25 clients being coached and 20 who have successfully completed the programme, she said.
“The majority of clients are new business owners.”
The types of businesses popping up were diverse but Goodall said there was a “definite focus” on food, retail and health-related businesses.
“While there are a few that have aspirations to launch a national or global business, the majority of people mostly wish to have a small business where they can be their own boss.”
Goodall said there was a trend for those who don’t fit into the “normal” working hours category.
“There are many intelligent and skilled mothers who can’t fit back into a job that requires 9-to-5 Monday to Friday. By being their own business they’re able to take control of their life and income, and still provide care for their family.”