Indian Micro-businesses Remain Resilient Amidst COVID-19 Economic Impact: GoDaddy's 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Survey Finds

GoDaddy has released the 2020 Global Entrepreneurship Survey which finds micro-businesses in India are optimistic about the future of their very small business, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The overwhelming majority of Indian very small business owners surveyed (88 percent) believe that their business will grow in the next three to five years, with 43 percent responding they expect growth of at least 50 percent, and another 45 percent expecting to the growth of at least 25 percent

With more than 60 percent of the Indian very small business owners responding that despite the slowdown and negative impact brought on by the pandemic, they are confident that their business will continue (as compared to 52 percent globally). The survey further reveals strong values of resilience, self-reliance and zeal for digital skilling amongst Indian entrepreneurs – indicating a strong commitment to fight back in a post-COVID-19 new normal environment. Micro-businesses continue to remain positive despite setbacks.

The survey also studies the challenges micro-businesses are facing during the current pandemic. 83 percent of the Indian entrepreneurs surveyed reported a reduction in revenue and nearly half of them had to shut their business (45 percent) temporarily. Additionally, 45 percent had to make changes in the way they operated. Many small businesses in India are being impacted by low financial investment due to the COVID-19 environment, with more than 70 percent of respondents reported experiencing an overall decrease in investment. 48 percent of these small businesses said that maintaining cash flow was the most pressing need to keep their business running during this crisis period. Additionally, 37 percent say they started donating to charitable causes as compared to 17 percent globally.

The survey also highlights how digital technology has proven to be a key growth enabler during these tough times. As a result of the national lockdown due to COVID-19, 53 percent said they will focus on accelerating online/social selling capabilities.  Moreover, about one third of the respondents from India said that this year they might increase financial investment in digital education (35 percent) and cybersecurity & data privacy (32 percent). Thinking about the long-lasting implications on work post-COVID-19, 40 percent of the entrepreneurs in India are ready to modify their policies related to allowing remote work.

"It is encouraging to see the resilience and optimism of Indian micro-business owners during these challenging times…They may have had to shut down even if only temporarily, but they are adapting and working to rebound and help their small business grow," said Nikhil Arora, Vice President and Managing Director, GoDaddy India.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.