13 October 2003

The Public Perception of Small Business

Mr. William Dennis, a Senior Research Fellow for the National Foundation for Independent Business (NFIB) Research Foundation, did a study of how the public views small business in America in 1997. Here are some of the results:
  • The public thinks that it would be relatively difficult for them to start a successful small business. One in four, give themselves virtually no chance of being able to form a successful small business.


  • Fifty-three (53) percent believe that the opportunities to form a successful small business will be less in 20 years than they are today. Forty (40) percent feel that they will be greater.


  • Regarding the small business future, some see increased government interference as the primary threat. Others attribute stiffer competition from large firms as the principal reason for the views.


  • Over ninety (90) percent of Americans would approve if either a son or a daughter attempted to start a small business. Approval is higher in 1997 than it was in 1986.


  • A majority of the public (55 percent) feels that small business is the only influence out of the eight other choices evaluated which has "too little" influence. A majority of the public feels that the federal government, big business, and television and movies have "too much" influence.


  • Seventy-six (76) percent of the public say people usually form businesses because they really want to; Twenty-two (22) percent say it is because they usually have no other choice. Eighty-five (85) percent of small business owners say they form businesses because they really want to.


  • Eighty-four (84) percent of employed Americans think small business owners work harder than they (non-small business owners) do.


  • Seventy (70) percent of adult Americans feel that owning a small business is one of the best ways to "get ahead" in this country. Small business owners were also likely to agree.


  • Three of four members of the public believe that small business owners have more independence and control over their lives than do people who work for others.


  • Eighty-five (85) percent of the public believe that small business is a positive influence on the way things are going in this country.


  • Ninety-one (91) percent would approve of a daughter forming her own small business.


  • Ninety-three (93) percent would approve of a son forming his own small business.
and, a majority of the public correctly recognized small business
  1. as creating most of the new jobs in the country


  2. as more likely to offer a young person his/her first job


  3. as an important source of innovation.

posted by Silentman, Henry C. @ 19:31 hours MT(GMT-7)