Description and Analysis of Evolving Data Resources on Small Business

摘要

This paper reviews the main existing and evolving data sources for research on small businesses and entrepreneurship in the U.S. While business data has traditionally focused on large firms, an increasing number of data sources include and identify small and new businesses. However, these data sources are scattered throughout government and private agencies. The primary aim of this review is to further educate researchers about these data sources in order to inform and promote research on small businesses and entrepreneurship. A secondary aim is to highlight gaps in available small and new business data to inform new or expanded data-gathering efforts and catalyze improved access to existing data sources. For each data source, the review summarizes the collection method, unit of observation, coverage, main variables, limitations, and current and potential future uses of the data. The review also includes a summary reference table concerning all the datasets described and references for accessing each data source and more detailed data-set specific information.