Why there’s never been a better time to start a business

The entrepreneurial dream in Australia is alive and well. Spurred on by the challenges of ongoing lockdowns and stand downs, more and more people want to step up to the plate of small business ownership. 

The reality is that 99.8% of Australian businesses are considered to be small to medium enterprises. If you aren’t already a small business owner, there’s a very good chance you’ve worked in one. 

Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen a surge in franchise enquiries. Working from home during the pandemic has opened many people’s eyes to the benefits of flexibility and spending time with family. If this is you and you’re considering taking the plunge into your own business, we’re here to help.  

Why own a business anyway?

The question is, why wouldn’t you want to own a business? To be your own boss, enjoying the reward of hitting the goals you set for yourself and finding a real balance between work and family life. 

In our experience, people come to business ownership broadly from two places. The first is a lifelong desire to run their own show. These people are driven by an entrepreneurial spirit that burns strong inside them. 

But then there is a second group who come from a different place. They have had some kind of catalyst - a life changing experience or a simple realisation - that has set them on a different path. And in the context of the current business, economic and social climate, we are seeing this group growing. 

The catalyst here isn’t small. It isn’t simple. But it is life changing. What was once relatively predictable is no longer so. The 9-5 with a guaranteed pay cheque isn’t quite as safe as people once thought.

“Overwhelmingly we are seeing people say that enough is enough,” says Peter Nikolakopoulos, CEO and Founder of Sport Star Academy. “Out of the pandemic, their priorities are changing and they want to do something that gives them purpose. To support their communities and their families and be lucky enough to call it work.”

Benefits of the franchise model

The franchise model is appealing for all types of business owners for many reasons. However, we want to focus here on the second group of people who are taking the first steps to explore what business ownership could look like for them.

What can be most daunting about the process is the unknown. Where do you start? What will you do? What if you fail? Is it really the best time to start a business in the middle of a pandemic? Can you relate?

A successful franchise business model takes the unknown and replaces it with plans, systems and processes. Your future is still in your hands but you can see the path to success more clearly and follow in the footsteps of those who have already achieved it. And be supported by a team who have expertise you can call on during your journey.

“Right now so many people are in that position of the unknown,” explains Peter. “They are on the precipice of completely changing the direction of their lives. What is most exciting for me as CEO and mentor is to see people realise their potential. When people step outside of their comfort zone, into something like franchise ownership, it brings out the best in them.

“What we are seeing now is many people wanting to start a business by buying a franchise, but they’re worried about the impacts of the pandemic. The reality is, kids always need sport and to stay active. What we’ve seen after every lockdown is an immediate lift in enrolments as soon as restrictions ease. Our programs make a real difference to families, pandemic or otherwise.”

Explore the possibilities

If your time to step into franchise ownership is now, what we offer is very appealing. Ours is a national, multi-site and multi-branded franchise. What started with football has now grown to incorporate a range of sports as well as new divisions including arts, STEM, education, wellness and gaming under one umbrella - The AllStars Academy.

“We understand today’s kids and parents,” explains Peter. “We have spent the last 20 years building programs that cater to what they need. We have mastered the dynamics of what it takes to succeed and help our franchisees establish roots in their local communities.”

If you’re one of the growing number of people who want to own their own destiny in a successful business model, we’d love to chat. Contact us to explore the possibilities of joining our winning team.