Owning a business is the dream of many people. Half of all adults would love to start one, according to a Gallup poll. And many certainly try-about four million companies are launched in America each year, according to Kansas City's Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Many businesses also fail each year.
Government statistics indicate 60 percent or more close, although the figures can be misleading because they reflect only businesses that are not in operation, not those which change names or merge with another firm. A Real-World Classroom Six years ago, the Kauffman Center began sponsoring a business training course for entrepreneurs. Nationally, some 30,000 people are graduates of FastTrac programs. I for potential entrepreneurs and FastTrac II for those who want to expand their businesses. FastTrac II helps owners acquire the skills and knowledge to analyze their business and make good decisions.