Due to the relatively low start up costs required to connect up to the Internet, no large financial burden is placed on the individual or small business. As such, they are no longer dependent on larger institutions such as banks to provide the necessary funding. In a similar vein, by using the Internet it is unnecessary to employ as many people as would be required for a traditional business. For example, an artist can exhibit his paintings on-line. As a matter of course, he not only saves on the costs of advertising but also on the cost of employing an agent. .
Secondly, the Internet provides flexibility and accessibility, which in turn acts as a form of empowerment. The small business can choose to work at its own pace as well as set its own working hours. The products and services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without having a retail location. La Maison du Kouign Amann is a small caterer shop in Bretagne. From to its site kouignamann.com customers are allowed to order Breton alcohol at any time. This means that even if the store is closed, the business is still running. Moreover, it is very easy to extend a small business to over the world, for the reason that the Internet is an international network.
Thirdly, competition becomes a means of empowerment. By providing access to other businesses, the Internet allows the small business to compare its products and services with those offered by its competitors. .
Finally, increased profitability and efficiency become a form of empowerment for small businesses. It is now possible to start earning within 24 hours of launching an on-line business. Start-up is the best example. Launch an e-business or complete a traditional business with a web site allows advertising by spreading its reputation and sells on-line without geographical limits. In addition, from a communications perspective communication with a customer via the Internet is virtually instantaneous whereas conventional methods can still takes months.
