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GOVERNOR O'MALLEY: "We are fortunate
to have within our state so many innovative
self-starters, small and micro businesses,
and rapidly growing gazelle firms
that are an important part of our diverse
business community."
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A report based on the survey, which was conducted by OpinionWorks, a research firm in Annapolis, reviews the business start-up by industry, life-cycle and size; identifies owner demographics, characteristics and interests; and examines policies, services and the role government and advocacy groups can play to support entrepreneurs.
"We are fortunate to have within our State so many innovative self-starters, small and micro businesses, and rapidly growing gazelle firms that are an important part of our diverse business community," said Governor O'Malley. "The results of this survey will help guide our efforts, both through policy and programs, to provide the resources, support and infrastructure needed to sustain and advance Maryland's entrepreneur community so together we can create the next generation of companies and jobs."
The survey found that most Marylanders (56%) have personal experience with business start-ups as a creator (founder or partner), participant (investor, employee or family member) or supporter, and almost half (47%) have been directly involved in a business start-up as a creator or participant. For the 72% of Marylanders who have never been a business owner or partner, more than a third (44%) have considered starting a business and almost half of that group (47%) have considered it actively.
"We know from the Kauffman Foundation that more Americans became entrepreneurs during the recession than at any time in the past 15 years," said DBED Secretary Christian Johansson, adding, "What is less known is how this new business activity translates in terms of industries, owner profile or prospective growth areas--especially here in Maryland. This survey points to further discussion and study on ways to connect, support and nurture entrepreneurs."
The results also revealed that most Marylanders (68%) believe the state should play a role in supporting business start-ups through financial or technical services. Additionally, findings indicated support for a state role in encouraging business start-ups by providing access to capital through grants and loans, as well as actively mentoring entrepreneurs.
Conducted over a one-week period (October 18 to 24) through telephone interviews of 1,001 randomly-selected Marylanders, the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
The survey found that most Marylanders (56%) have personal experience with business start-ups as a creator (founder or partner), participant (investor, employee or family member) or supporter, and almost half (47%) have been directly involved in a business start-up as a creator or participant. For the 72% of Marylanders who have never been a business owner or partner, more than a third (44%) have considered starting a business and almost half of that group (47%) have considered it actively.
"We know from the Kauffman Foundation that more Americans became entrepreneurs during the recession than at any time in the past 15 years," said DBED Secretary Christian Johansson, adding, "What is less known is how this new business activity translates in terms of industries, owner profile or prospective growth areas--especially here in Maryland. This survey points to further discussion and study on ways to connect, support and nurture entrepreneurs."
The results also revealed that most Marylanders (68%) believe the state should play a role in supporting business start-ups through financial or technical services. Additionally, findings indicated support for a state role in encouraging business start-ups by providing access to capital through grants and loans, as well as actively mentoring entrepreneurs.
Conducted over a one-week period (October 18 to 24) through telephone interviews of 1,001 randomly-selected Marylanders, the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.
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