For Many, Small BusinessIs Close To Home (NAPSA)—If you are like many Americans, you either own or work for a small business. Small businesses are a big part of the country’s economy, employing 56.1 million membersof the nation’s private workforce and creating two out of every three new jobs every year. “small businesses have an enormous role to play in keeping the engine of the economy and innovation churning, said Ruth Veloria, executive dean for University of Phoenix. “This is true on every level, from supporting the national economy to the communities and individuals hard at work in it. On a locallevel, small businesses build per- sonal connections, encourage a sense of community, and promote a high level of quality and customerservice.” A Revealing Survey Recently, University of Phoenix created a U.S. survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult, about attitudes toward small businesses. ‘The findings show how important small businesses are to these respondents. For example: Sixty-eight percent say small businesses are very importantto their community. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are top of the list for helping the economic health of their own communities and the U.S. in general. making a profit? Who is my competition? How will I manage my business? Knowing the answers can help your startup last long. Where To Turn Oneroute to creating and maintain- ing a small business is through higher education. It helps prepare individuals to turn an idea into a marketable andviable product, business or organization. The School of Business at University of Phoenix, for example, creates an envi- ronment for students that allows them to test ideas, take risks and grow. Fifty-seven percent have a parent, immediate family memberorclosefriend whohaseither previously owned or currently owns a small business. Eighty-nine percent say that small businesses improve the quality oflife in their local community. e Many buy locally to support small businesses. In fact, 94 percent say they shoplocally at least someofthe time. Sixty-eight percent say small businesses are very important to the health of the economy. Fifty-three percent say entrepreneurs are very importantto the health of the economy. WhatTo Ask Yourself If youre thinking of joining the One program that appeals to entrepreneurs is a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Small Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate. The School of Business also offers professional development and noncredit courses for entrepreneursthat will help them learn the skills needed to start and manage a business. Some courses to consider in- experts at the U.S. Small Business Administration suggest youfirst ask yourself these questions: Why am I starting a business? What kind of business do I want? Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my business started? How long do I have until I start dents who completed this program, and other important information,please visit www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/ business. For more information about University of Phoenix, please visit www.phoe nix.edu. ranks of America’s entrepreneurs, the clude financial management, market- ing, and human resource management. Courseslike these can help you prepare a business plan, promote your product or service, and stay competitive in the business world. Learn More For more information about this program, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by stu-
