Small businesses are vital to the growth and competitiveness of their local economies.
They are drivers of economic growth, creators of jobs, and leaders in technological innovation. Small businesses also create more than half of the nations technological inventions. To develop and grow, small businesses need technical and financial assistance, physical space and a supporting network. Building an effective small business development support system is becoming an increasingly significant component of economic development policy. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies provides a guide to building an entrepreneurial and small business assistance program.