Tuesday, February 17, 2009

From Hard Knocks to Opportunity Knocking

Entrepreneur Shows How a Layoff Can Be the Doorway to Business Ownership

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- While no time is ever a good time for a layoff, with the right plan and attitude, Entrepreneur knows any time can be a good time to start a business. In a special report in the February issue, three former corporate employees share how their pink slips eventually led to new businesses. For those already working to grow their companies, a complementary report takes a look at how to innovate during the recession in order to emerge even stronger when the economy recovers.

The SBA reports that an estimated 637,100 number of business were started in just 2007, and this number could rise dramatically considering the unemployment rate is up to 7.6% (January figure from the Department of Labor). From startup dos and don'ts to examples of how a passion can turn into a business, anyone looking for a new career path can learn more about whether business ownership is right for them with Entrepreneur.

"For those with the entrepreneurial spirit," says Amy Cosper, VP/editor-in-chief at Entrepreneur, "losing a job can serve as motivation to explore new ventures outside of corporate employment. We offer sound advice on what to consider before getting started and arm aspiring entrepreneurs with the lessons others like themselves have learned--helping them get off on the right foot as business owners."

At the same time, entrepreneurs working hard to drive their established businesses forward can find new ways to innovate--even within a recession--in a secondary special report. After all, some of the most innovative ideas from Campbell's, GE, McDonald's, 3M, and Coca Cola emerged during times of economic duress. Smaller businesses can emerge just as triumphant by learning from other industries, testing ideas, and going where consumers go.

"Inspiration for innovation is everywhere," says Cosper, "from books to websites, events and everyday life." Indeed, Entrepreneur's own list of "2009 Trends to Watch," available at www.entrepreneur.com/hottrends, depicts countless areas ripe with business potential, including the green movement, digital opportunities, ideas on health, and products and services for both boomers and millennials.

To read the two special reports in the February issue of Entrepreneur, pick up a copy on newsstands today or visit Entrepreneur.com. For "Laid Off in 2008? Start a Business in 2009," go to www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/february/199706.html. For the "Special Report: Innovate in a Recession," visit www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/february/199724.html.

You can also hear Amy Cosper, Entrepreneur's editor-in-chief, discuss how layoffs are leading to business startups in a radio interview from Market Watch with Moe Ansari at www.entrepreneur.com/uploadedFiles/images/mm/l/MktWrap_CosperItvw_020309.mp3.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Entrepreneur Media Inc. is the premier content provider for and about entrepreneurs. Our products engage and inspire every day with the advice, solutions and resources that fuel the bold and independent way entrepreneurs think.

After 31 years, nobody reaches more growing businesses. As the original magazine for the small and midsize business community, Entrepreneur continues to be the definitive guide to all the diverse challenges of business ownership. Entrepreneur.com is the most widely used website by entrepreneurs and emerging businesses worldwide. Entrepreneur Press publishes the books that turn entrepreneurial skills into business success.

To learn more, visit www.entrepreneur.com.

To advertise, please contact us at www.entrepreneur.com/mediakit.