People considering setting up their own business may be encouraged by the results of a new survey that found economic conditions are improving for entrepreneurs. The study by Discover Small Business Watch found that 28% of small business owners questioned in May believe the market is improving for their enterprise, compared to 24% in April. Meanwhile, there were declines in the number of entrepreneurs who felt conditions were getting tougher and the number of businesses that had experienced cash flow problems in the last 90 days. And although small business owners tend to work harder than those in other sectors of the economy, they also receive more flexibility and independence in how they go about their job. Other benefits of having your own business can include working from home and creative control. According to figures from the Office of Advocacy cited by the US Small Business Administration, there were 2.6 million small firms in the United States in 2006. Between them, companies of this type have generated between 60% and 80% of all new jobs in the country over the past 10 years.  |