We see everyday stories of large companies laying people off. Are you just waiting for the axe to fall? Or are you going to take a proactive stance and explore the world of beads as a business?

Opening a new business during an economic slowdown may seem foolish, but experts say recessions typically spur entrepreneurial activity. Laid-off employees suddenly find themselves more willing to take a risk. With less to lose, they are more likely to follow through on business ideas that have been brewing for years.

During the recession of 1982, for instance, the number of sole proprietorships in the United States rose 6.06 percent, outpacing the decade's average of 5.06 percent.

Links to Articles
How to Grow Your Business in an Economic Slowdown Tips on starting a business in a recession

Even though times are a little tough, believe me I’ve seen worse. People still want the best quality items for the best price. Lets face it your prices are probably less than they will find at any of the large chain stores.

The reasons to launch a company during weak business cycles far outweigh any reasons for delaying the launch. In fact, the reasons against starting a new venture during an economic downturn are very best reasons to get started in the first place:

Demand is down. The biggest reason often sited for delaying the start of a new business during a recession is that demand is down—thus it is reasonable to assume there are fewer buyers for a your products. Because demand is down, prices are down. The rent on your office space will be less than it would have been one year ago. How about office furniture, equipment and supplies? They will cost less today.

You've got time on your hands. Another important reason for getting started now is that there is more time to get organized in anticipation of better (and busier) times ahead. This is the time to launch the Web site, get the marketing materials written and printed, make sure your support systems are in place, and generally ensure that the business is cooking on all cylinders by the time those orders start pouring in. Once things do pick up, the time you have for these important tasks will be significantly diminished.

You've got strategic opportunities. Weak economic times often create tremendous strategic opportunities, ones that are often not available during bullish economies. For example, there may be a competitor in your space that has been so weakened by the economy that they are ready to throw in the towel. You might be able to buy their business for cents on the dollar, buy their customer lists or equipment, or hire some key individuals.

It gives you a mission . Launching a new business is challenging, exciting, exhilarating and all encompassing. Recessions can have a depressing effect on most people, thus launching a new business can provide a significant psychological lift. It provides you with a distinct, tangible mission. You are entering uncharted waters of great possibilities while those around you are just surviving from day to day, wondering when things will get better.

So get out there, what are you waiting for there are plenty of empty store fronts or you can hit the road.

• Sell at flea markets
• Craft Fairs (Follow the circuit)
• Student unions at colleges
• Start some Jewelry parties 
  (Look at Creative Memories!!! Who knew you could sell so many stickers)
• Pushcarts at the Mall