The figure, up four percentage points from last year, is further supported by the finding that on average, respondents plan to invest NT$880,500 (US$29,333) in their ventures, an increase of NT$256,300 from 2013.
Daniel Lee, director of 1111 Job Bank’s PR department, said the trend is encouraging and buoyed by a result of 61.8 percent for those expressing an interest in entrepreneurship. “This indicates that the local economy has made a significant recovery and private consumption is going strong.”
Taiwan’s robust restaurant sector is a standout boasting numerous franchise brands. It is the No. 1 choice for prospective entrepreneurs, followed by snack bars and dessert shops at No. 2 and wholesale and the retail sector at No. 3, according to the poll.
Concerning age groups, the survey revealed that those 41-45 have the strongest spirit of entrepreneurship, followed by the 26-30 and 21-25 age groups.
Lee said this trend is due to middle-aged and senior workers facing possibility of unemployment as Taiwan’s manufacturing businesses relocate overseas. “In addition, young people are launching their own businesses as a way of dealing with low starting salaries.”
But the poll found that up to 35 percent of respondents have not set a stop-loss for their entrepreneurial dreams, with the majority aged 21-25.
Lee cautioned against such a “daredevil mentality,” urging young people to carry out extensive market research before venturing out on their own.
The survey is based on online data collected May 23 to June 10 from 1,165 members of 1111 Job Bank. (DF-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw