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The State of the American Dream: A look at Entrepreneurship and Small Business in the United States

According to the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index, the USA is still the best place in the world to start a new business. Even though, as a country, we’ve experienced a decline in entrepreneurship during the recent economic crisis, it remains a cornerstone in our economy—as it always has been. There are several reasons why small businesses thrive. These are a few of our favorite: Can’t find a job? Make One. Small businesses are a huge part of the American Dream. We’re lucky to live in a place where starting and running your own business is so encouraged. It’s true; jobs have been scarce over the past few years. However, we live in a place where young people don’t feel held back by the lack of jobs. Instead, they’re creating their own. Members of Generation Next (born between 1980 and 2000) aren’t afraid to be business owners, even without previous workplace experience—in fact, they’re 120% more likely to do so than other generations. Want to start a business? The resources at your fingertips are endless. It’s no secret that today’s society revolves around technology. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, technology provides easy access to knowledge and resources unlike ever before. It’s unbelievably easy to connect—and even collaborate—with others, no matter where they are. The wealth of knowledge and tips about starting and running your own small business that we have access to today is incredible. From small business magazines to how-to YouTube videos and even online universities, it’s all at our fingertips, 24 hours a day. The bond of entrepreneurs While our economy is on the uptick, it can still be financially taxing for some aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to get started. Seeing that—and recognizing startups as the drivers of our economy—former startups like Starbucks and Boston Beer (makers of Sam Adams) offer programs to help fund new startup projects. Scott Case and Tory Burch eveb founded Startup America  simply to help young companies grow and create jobs. As you can see, entrepreneurship and small business ownership is not only appreciated in the United States, but it’s crucial to our economy. So get out there and start something! Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner? What things inspired you to get started?