Workplace Trends Jobs generated by small firms are more likely to be filled by young workers, senior workers and women. Many of these workers prefer or are only able to work on a part-time basis, and can be more easily accommodated by small, rather than large, firms. According to recent projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small business-dominated sectors will contribute about 60 percent of new jobs from 1994 to 2005. About 88 percent of these jobs will be in retail trade or services. Jobs in some of the highest-paying service sectors, such as physicians' offices, and architectural and engineering services, will rise about 30 percent.
Most small firms use external financing only occasionally.
Under 50 per- cent of small firms borrow once or more during a year. However, small firms experiencing rapid growth or those with high volumes of receivables require frequent use of external financing. Other major suppliers include finance companies, leasing companies and other nonfinancial institutions. Other sources of financing include trade credit, personal loans from financial institutions, and loans from friends and relatives. Small firms obtain more patents per sales dollar, even though large firms are more likely to patent a discovery.