Small Business Opportunities for 2009

With 2008 coming to a close, the new year offers a fresh start for those interested in starting up their own business. Here are a couple of links to get you thinking about new opportunities for 2009:

About.com:Small Business: Canada includes its annual "Best Business Opportunities 2009". For last year's list, see "Best Business Opportunities 2008". Some other useful links from this site include "Best Small Business Ideas for Businesses That Will Prosper in Hard Times" and "Top Ten Home Business Opportunities"

Check out the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)'s website for small business support and information. This website currently features the December 2008 Business Barometer: Results of December 2008 Survey on SME Business Expectations by Ted Mallett, VP Research & Chief Economist. The full report features the most optimistic businesses (health and personal care retailers, accountants, computer consulting, fast food restaurants) and most pessimistic businesses as well as how businesses are faring province by province and sector by sector, business influences and employment, wage and pricing plans.

From MSN Money's Investing and StartupNation, the article from Dec.8, 2008 called "Beating a Bad Economy -- From Home" discusses the increasing number of startups and includes StartupNation's Home-Based 100, a ranking of top entrepreneurs.