Dragons' Den Millionaire Urges Entrepreneurs To Set Up An Online Business During Recession

Online, July 22, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Now reported to be worth an estimated £155 million, 43 year-old Dragons' Den guru Peter Jones set up his own business during a recession, and at the tender age of just 16. Although the tennis academy which paved his way to fortune, and now fame, was clearly not an Internet-based venture, the savvy businessman certainly understands enough to appreciate the power of modern technology and believes that online business is the way for today's youngsters to get a foot in the door at a time when the divide between the larger corporations and smaller start-ups is at its narrowest. For those looking to take the plunge amid job insecurity and continuing layoffs, the new Pathways guide to building a successful web-based business could be just the tool needed to get new entrepreneurs off the ground.

On the basis that things cannot get much worse in terms of the world's financial state of affairs, Peter believes that now is the best time to start a new business. With a more level playing field, greater motivation and the opportunity to begin with a true appreciation of the competition and what it takes to get ahead, it is not hard to understand his reasoning. Whilst making the move towards self-employment in healthier economic times might appear to have its advantages, it does also bring with it the danger of complacency.

Peter's message, although aimed more towards young people with business aspirations, in fact applies to all. The difficulty for many, however, even those with a fair amount of general Internet experience, is knowing which market to enter into, how to go about setting up and promoting an online business and how to ensure that they can be found by prospective customers, and these are precisely the issues that the Pathways course is designed to teach.

Developed by Social Worker, Dave Crewe, Pathways takes a totally practical approach to creating an Internet business. As Dave himself learned to his cost, there is plenty of information available on the numerous discrete aspects of the process, but nothing which pulls it all together. After spending considerable amounts of time and money working it out for himself, it was his aim, therefore, to provide a 'one stop shop' for budding business owners, whatever their starting level. With each module of the course detailing precise actions in plain English, even those with just a basic knowledge of the Internet can get started quickly, easily and at minimal cost. From learning which are the most lucrative business areas to develop, through business registration and how to handle tax affairs, creating a website and setting up a merchant account, Pathways leaves no stone unturned.

The website, awebbusiness.org, and the Pathways programme have been developed to provide an affordable resource to enable ordinary individuals to set up an online business.

If you would like more information about the Pathways programme, please visit the website at www.awebbusiness.org .