One survey reports that 72% of business owners say that what they enjoy most about being a business owner is contributing to the local community. (Essentials of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management)

A study by the New England Business Service Inc. shows that most firms turn profitable within the first two years: 0-12 months (49%), 13-24 months (12%), 25-36 months (8%), > 36 months (10%), not yet profitable (18%), No answer (3%).

Arthur Andersen’s Enterprise Group & National Small Business United revealed where today’s business owners are finding alternative financing: Credit cards (33.5%), Vendor credit (19.8%), Leasing (15.8%), Personal or home equity loans (15.5%), Selling/pledging accounting receivables (4.3%), Small Business Administration (4.1%), Asset based using inventory as collateral (4.0%), Other (3%).

Approximately 15 million American are self-employed part-time. (Essentials of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management)

There are an estimated 246,000 entrepreneurs now selling abroad. Exports rose 12%, to $1.2 trillion, from 2006 to 2007, according to the International Trade Administration. That included increases of 18% to China, 28% to Brazil, and 74% to India. Small businesses account for 30% of all U.S. exports.

Every year American entrepreneurs launch businesses at the rate of 850,000 new businesses each year; 84% of those who launch businesses are doing so for the first time. (Essentials of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management)

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) receives more than 366,000 patent applications a year (but issues only about 187,000 patents a year).