Many people fantasize at one time or another about going into business and being their own boss.
Now a growing number of Americans are turning that fantasy into a reality. In an economic climate that encourages and nur- tures entrepreneurship, hundreds of thousands of corporate executives, MBAs, retirees and individuals interested in a career change are striking off on their own. And as owners of small businesses, they are creating a dynamic force that is revolutionizing business as we have known it in this country. And the U.S. Small Business Administration reports that small businesses account for 58 percent of the private U.S. workforce and 40 percent of the gross national product. Moreover, a National Science Foundation analysis reveals that small business has been a more prolific source of innovation per research and development dollar than large business.