SMALL BUSINESS A LEADER IN U.S. ECONOMY

Small business is booming. "Entrepreneurs are leaders in the American economy," says Andy Jones, a local representative for the National Association for the Self-Employed in the Dallas, TX area.

Many factors contribute to the success of small business including income, new job creation and innovation.

According to its recent Membership Survey, the average household income for members of the National Association for the Self-Employed was $81,600. The majority of these members, 58.9 percent, have their businesses structured as sole proprietorships and 34 percent as corporations. Likewise the Small Business Administration reports that the income level of proprietorships and partnerships recently increased 6.3 percent to $515.8 billion.

"Approximately 88 percent of NASE Members have three or more employees in their businesses and 39.7 percent are considering adding full, part-time or temporary employees," Jones noted. National trends indicate micro-businesses with one to four employees created 500,000 net new jobs through firm births and another 500,000 through expansions.

The Small Business Administration also notes that small business produces 55 percent of innovations. Small business produces twice as many of both product innovations and significant innovations per employee as large firms. In addition, small businesses obtain more patents per sales dollar and seem to have more discoveries than large firms.

For 21 years, the NASE has been contributing to the success of the small-business owner and the self-employed. The NASE offers its members more than 100 valuable benefits designed specifically for the smallest of small businesses. Members can enjoy discounts on a variety of business and personal tools, including office supplies, credit card processing services, hotel accommodations, travel services and auto rentals.

Members also have access to useful information through an award-winning Web site at www.nase.org, an exclusive bi-monthly magazine, and free business and tax advice. In addition, the NASE has a full time legislative staff based in Washington, D.C. to give its members a strong political voice and the negotiating power that comes with group size.

For more information about the National Association for the Self-Employed, Call Andy Jones at (800) 799-1983.

The NASE is a national, no-profit, non-partisan association representing the smallest of small businesses. The NASE offers its members legislative advocacy and more than 100 other benefits including discounts on business products and services.