Entrepreneurship

How Many New Online Businesses Were Registered in Canada In 2020 During The Pandemic?


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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Canadian economy, with many businesses forced to close their doors and others struggling to survive. However, despite the challenges, there has been a notable increase in the number of new online businesses registered in Canada. This article will provide an overview of the increase in online business registrations in Canada in 2020, including an analysis of the factors contributing to this trend. It will also highlight the industries with the highest increase in registrations and discuss the challenges faced by new online businesses. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the current state of online businesses in Canada and the opportunities and challenges they face.

The State of Online Business Registrations in Canada

In 2020, there was a significant increase in the number of new online businesses registered in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, over 180,000 new businesses were registered in Canada in 2020, with many of them being online businesses. This represents a 14% increase compared to the previous year. The rise in online business registrations can be attributed to the shift towards online shopping and remote work brought on by the pandemic.

The increase in online business registrations in 2020 is a significant departure from previous years. From 2017 to 2019, the number of new business registrations in Canada remained relatively stable, with an average of around 160,000 per year. However, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have led to a surge in new online businesses.

There are several factors contributing to the increase in online business registrations in Canada in 2020. The pandemic and the resulting shift towards online shopping and remote work have played a major role. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms like Shopify and the availability of online tools and resources for entrepreneurs have made it easier than ever to start an online business. Finally, the government’s support for small businesses through programs like the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has also contributed to the increase in new business registrations.

Industries with the Highest Increase in Online Business Registrations

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E-commerce has seen a significant increase in registrations, as consumers increasingly turn to online shopping during the pandemic. According to Statistics Canada, e-commerce sales in Canada reached a record high of $3.9 billion in May 2020, a 110.8% increase compared to the same month in 2019. This surge in demand has led to an increase in new e-commerce businesses, with entrepreneurs capitalizing on the trend towards online shopping. This growth in the e-commerce industry has also led to an increase in demand for services such as digital marketing, online payment processing, and logistics and shipping, creating new opportunities for businesses in these sectors.

Online gambling has also seen an increase in registrations during the pandemic. With many brick-and-mortar casinos closed or operating at reduced capacity, consumers have turned to online gambling as a form of entertainment. Online gambling platforms have reported a significant increase in traffic and revenue, leading to an increase in new online gambling businesses. The trend towards online gambling is expected to continue even after the pandemic, as more consumers become comfortable with the convenience and accessibility of online gambling platforms. In fact, there are now numerous fresh casinos available to visit online, providing further evidence of the growth of the industry after the pandemic.

Online education has become increasingly popular as a result of the pandemic, with many students and professionals seeking to upskill or reskill from the safety of their homes. The demand for online courses and certifications has led to an increase in new online education businesses, ranging from traditional educational institutions to specialized training providers. In addition, the increased accessibility and flexibility of online education has opened up opportunities for students and professionals who may not have had access to traditional educational opportunities or were previously unable to balance work or family commitments with in-person education.

The pandemic has also led to a surge in demand for food delivery and takeout services. With restaurants closed or operating at reduced capacity, many have shifted to offering delivery and takeout services. This has led to an increase in new online food delivery and takeout businesses, as entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on the trend towards contactless food delivery. The increase in online food delivery and takeout businesses has also led to new opportunities for individuals looking for flexible work, as many of these businesses rely on gig workers for delivery services.

Challenges Faced by New Online Businesses

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Starting an online business is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles that new online businesses face is the fierce competition in the digital landscape. With so many businesses vying for the same customers and market share, it can be difficult for new businesses to stand out from the crowd. To succeed in this environment, businesses need to have a strong brand identity, a unique value proposition, and a well-planned marketing strategy.

Another common challenge that new online businesses face is a lack of funding and resources. Unlike established businesses, new businesses may not have the financial resources to invest in expensive marketing campaigns or to hire a team of experts. This can make it difficult to compete with established businesses that have more resources at their disposal. To overcome this challenge, new businesses need to be creative in their marketing strategies and make the most of their limited resources.

Changes in consumer behavior and demand can also present a challenge for new online businesses. The pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more people turning to online shopping, entertainment, and education. As a result, businesses need to be able to adapt to these changes and stay ahead of the curve. This means constantly monitoring trends and consumer behavior and being agile in responding to changes in demand. By staying nimble and responsive, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways

The pandemic has led to a significant increase in online business registrations in Canada, with industries such as e-commerce, online gambling, online education, and food delivery experiencing significant growth. Despite the opportunities presented by the surge in demand for online services, new online businesses face several challenges, including digital competition, lack of funding and resources, changes in consumer behavior and demand, cybersecurity risks, and shipping and logistics challenges. Nonetheless, the rise of online businesses is expected to continue even after the pandemic, and they will play an important role in Canada’s economy. Entrepreneurs looking to start a new online business will need to navigate the challenges of the current market while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the shift towards online services.


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