Despite Pandemic's Devastating Impact, World's Smallest Companies Are Bullish About the Future, GoDaddy Global Study Finds

GoDaddy research shows seven in ten entrepreneurs expect to recover within a year, with the smallest of U.S. small businesses optimistic about recovery

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GoDaddy Inc.

Aug 19, 2020, 09:00 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY), the company that empowers everyday entrepreneurs, today released the GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey which looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world's smallest businesses. The research shows the pandemic has severely affected their businesses, with 75 percent reporting a fall-off in revenues. Yet, the findings also reveal a steely resolve by these entrepreneurs to not only survive the economic crisis but thrive.

The GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey takes a deep look into the pandemic's effect on the world's microbusinesses. Of the 5,265 businesses surveyed throughout ten countries, over 90 percent have ten employees or less, and half are solo-preneurs.

Globally, two in five businesses had to close at least temporarily, either for safety reasons or because they were unable to get the products and materials needed to stay open. But within that economic hardship, there is a clear message: very small business owners are determined to survive. Seven in 10 entrepreneurs said they expect to recover within a year and 63 percent reported they expect to grow at least 25 percent in the next three to five years, a figure similar to pre-crisis expectations. Many are adapting by deploying technology and creating new ventures and side hustles.

"As difficult as the last six months have been, it's inspiring to see global entrepreneurs determined to work their way back to recovery and success," said Melissa Schneider, Vice President of Global Marketing Operations at GoDaddy. "At the heart of entrepreneurism is the ability to adapt and move forward. GoDaddy's research shows that the owners of the world's smallest businesses are demonstrating perseverance and resiliency as they plan for today and for their future."

As in previous downturns, the current crisis is sparking entrepreneurial spirit: 30 percent of those surveyed said they either had or intended to start a business, non-profit, or side hustle as a result of losing their job because of the pandemic. Age also played a big role in those willing to take that leap: millennials were three times more likely (40 percent) than baby boomers (12 percent) to pursue a side hustle.

The United States (U.S.) has been among the most affected by the pandemic, yet U.S. very small business owners surveyed were among the most likely to exhibit optimism about recovery with 36 percent expecting recovery in three months or less (compared to 26 percent globally). For example, U.S. entrepreneurs were among the least likely to report a decline in revenues (66 percent to 75 percent globally) and were the most confident their businesses would thrive in the future. They were also among the least likely to report receiving COVID-related governmental assistance (76 percent to 68 percent globally).

The GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey was conducted in June as some countries started to emerge from lockdown, and some countries such as the U.S. braced for a renewed surge in the virus' impact. The ten countries surveyed were Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Philippines, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The global results paint a picture of very small businesses grappling with a chaotic economic environment. Yet, in spite of the crisis, most very small business owners remain determined. Only six percent of those surveyed said that it was no longer sustainable to operate a business. Over half (52 percent) expressed confidence that although COVID-19 had a negative impact on their business, they could continue to operate. And one in three (35 percent) reported that their business is in a position to thrive.

Having a website affected both entrepreneurs' prospects and expectations for the future. Those who had a website, versus those who did not have a website, were less likely to have shut down their businesses, even temporarily (41 percent to 36 percent). In addition, those with a website were more bullish about their future growth expectations, with 31 percent reporting projected growth of at least 50 percent growth versus only 23 percent of those without a website. More than half of the businesses with a website reacted by bolstering their online presence, either by adding more content, increasing their digital marketing, or adding an online store.

"As history has shown us, and this survey tells us, the downturn is likely to lead to a new wave of entrepreneurs and small businesses. It's that spirit of rebirth and innovation that can help lead the global economy to recovery," added Schneider.

The GoDaddy Global Entrepreneurship Survey was conducted in conjunction with Savanta, a leading global data, research, and advisory firm. The research was conducted from June 1-29, 2020. For more information, go to https://www.openwestand.org/2020-godaddy-entrepreneurship-survey/.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy is empowering everyday entrepreneurs around the world by providing all of the help and tools to succeed online. With 20 million customers worldwide, GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers and manage their work. Our mission is to give our customers the tools, insights and the people to transform their ideas and personal initiative into success. To learn more about the company visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

SOURCE GoDaddy Inc.