Think you're the next Branson? It's never been easier or cheaper say experts

SITTING at your desk dreaming of that great business idea? Conditions have never been better to start, say experts.  

IF you've been sitting at your desk dreaming of that great business idea but never found the right time to turn it into a reality that time is now.

Improvements in technology, fast business registration rules and even the “recession” itself have created the ideal conditions to make the leap into becoming an entrepreneur.

That’s the message today at the launch of this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) which will see thousands of entrepreneurs attending events in 127 countries.

“Technology-wise, it is easy to set up a business, you can even start selling on e-Bay, so there are no infrastructure costs, you don’t need a shopfront,” says Natasha Munasinghe, co-owner of mentoring group and GEW Australia host Frank.

“Small businesses have a great chance of creating more jobs. Statistics say businesses that are two to five years old are responsible for the highest creation of jobs.

“When there is a recession or even a depression, it is a good time to start a business; it is not so competitive and you get more encouragement to succeed.”

Matt Barrie, the CEO of internet success story freelancer.com, said: “If you have been thinking about starting up a company, now is the time to do it, it’s never been easier, and it’s never been cheaper.

“The only way Australia can punch above its weight is through entrepreneurship and particularly technology entrepreneurship.”

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has endorsed the initiative in Australia, saying entrepreneurs can help stimulate economic growth: “Entrepreneurs not only identify new opportunities, but take advantage of them to help bring new ideas to fruition.”

Meanwhile, Barak Obama declared the whole of November was National Entrepreneurship Month in support of GEW. “The new businesses created by entrepreneurs are responsible for most of the new jobs in our country, helping them succeed is essential to helping our economy grow,” Mr Obama said.

Key events happening during GEW Australia around the country include:

• RMIT's Asian century and coffee club meetups (Melbourne)
• Click Digital Expo (Brisbane)
• Networking meetups (Perth)
• Filming of Startup Kids (Darwin)
• Young entrepreneur networking night with Damian Kay
• INNOVYZ Business Leader Forum (Sydney)
• Business Connector's GRANT event for SMEs (Sydney)
• 3 x Startup Weekends (Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane)
• Sydney Tech Meetup (Sydney)
• For more information go to: http://au.unleashingideas.org/