While the prospect of an economic downturn can be worrying, indicators suggest it's still a good time to start a business.
"When starting a business, your capital needs are as low as they're ever going to be," he said.
Mawhinney, along with an economist, a business coach, and an entrepreneur, each shared their predictions for the coming years and why they encourage aspiring business owners to jump on the entrepreneurial bandwagon now.
"But what we're seeing now is they've realized that employment itself is risky, and it's become easier to start that business."
She encourages her coaching clients, who are aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers, to take advantage of the new opportunities.