Good things come in small packages, and no statement is more true of small businesses than this fact. Small businesses are vital in any and every economy - from the shop on the corner to the company with single-digit number of employees that services the immediate community.
This is so whether it is sports, entertainment, food-service industry, agriculture or education. Small businesses create jobs, facilitate persons of the lower, middle and upper classes in a nation, and form the network of veins and capillaries of each community.
Negative impact
Currently, the network of small businesses is feeling the greatest negative impact in this recession, because they have to bear the weight of high interest rates, exorbitant bank charges, increased utility usage and increased energy bills.
Further to that, regulatory and compliance organisations lean on these businesses heavily because they may not have the clout to fight back; increased taxes are levied on such businesses, which makes it difficult to compete and even stay afloat. Many are giving up, and some are looking at selling their dream to make it less stressful for them.
In this environment created by national leaders, it is difficult for small businesses to survive - even for those who have a vision to execute and build. Small businesses help to ensure that big businesses are not overrun by the demand not only for products and services, but also for employment. Small businesses service 'nook and cranny' areas that large companies either can't, won't or don't service. Therefore, if small businesses shut down, it will also negatively affect large businesses!
Growth opportunity
In the same way that a small tree grows and matures and becomes a big tree and ultimately dies, a small business must be given the opportunity to grow and mature with its community understanding the needs of its society. It is people that make up the organisation and each cadre of persons understand the needs of the era of which they are a part. When that era passes and another one enters, a new set of persons with the solutions for that era enters as well. If that flow stops, then there will be serious stagnation, famine and economic problems occurring.
Those in national leadership don't often listen to small business owners when they cry out; they would, however, quickly listen to the large business owners and yield to their demands.
Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire
Lyston: The network of small businesses is feeling the greatest negative impact in this recession.
What needs to be done
There needs to be a special agency to deal with the growth, development and problems that affect small businesses, and their voices must be heard.
There must be a programme developed that actually works, to allow for the consolidation and also the reduction of the debts and taxes on the small businesses. A three-year reprieve must be given to small businesses.
Both banks and leaders have to go in and see what is happening - instead of making the decisions from the office chair!
The small business owners must now seek the Lord for new ways, ideas, solutions to grow their business - John 14: 6. Remember that Jesus is the way and also that He will direct your path - Proverbs 3: 6
Find ways to deal with wastage. For example, restaurants, hotels and any other food-related businesses can feed the poor and street people, (Psalm 41). Doctors and lawyers can give 10 per cent of their time free!
Maintain a positive environment - speak 'life' upon your business(es). Declare a thing and it shall be established. (Job 22: 28)
Implement cost-cutting measures, particularly on utilities and telephone. Ensure that it is absolutely clear to the staff that these should not be taken lightly.
Hire staff that are multifunctional and who will stick with you in crisis.
Tithe!
Remember that God is the one that teaches you to make profit! It is not networking or friends that grow your business, it is God who allows it. (Isaiah 48: 17)
Encourage weekly devotions in your organisation; God is the one who expands and increases your organisation. Keep away from any form of witchcraft to grow your organisation - it will cause situations to become worse.
