Startup Trends

Why is the Rate of Entrepreneurship Among African Americans so Low?

By Scott Shane - Jan 21, 2008 - 28 Comments

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I thought it would be appropriate to address the low rate of entrepreneurship among African-Americans. White Americans are twice as likely as African-Americans to be in business for themselves. That's a clear fact shown by all the data available. Even more … Read More

Five Myths about Financing Start-ups that Hurt Entrepreneurs

By Scott Shane - Jan 14, 2008 - 31 Comments

Most entrepreneurs believe a bunch of myths about financing new companies that hinder their efforts to raise money. Here are a few: Myth 1: It takes a lot of money to finance a new business. Not true. The typical start-up only requires about $25,000 to get going. The successful entrepreneurs who … Read More

How Many of You Became Entrepreneurs Accidentally?

By Susan L Reid - Jan 10, 2008 - 20 Comments

In June of 2004, I finally did it. I handed in my resignation as Director of Choral Activities at James Madison University, and began packing-up the formidable accumulation of books, music, and files from four degrees and 24 years of academic life. Distilled onto one little piece of paper that … Read More

This Entrepreneurship Quiz Will Humble You

By Anita Campbell - Jan 7, 2008 - 21 Comments

Which location had the most startups per capita in the United States: San Jose, California or Austin, Texas? Naaahhhh! (Wrong answer buzzer sounded.) Neither is the right answer. The question is part of an Entrepreneurship Quiz prepared by Dr. Scott Shane in connection with his … Read More

New Business Ideas: Green Cuisine

By Steven Teo - Dec 30, 2007 - 2 Comments

Tapping into increased environmental awareness these days, restaurants and food outlets are mixing food and beverage (F & B) ideas with the wave of green, save-the-earth messages. Have some good food and drinks, and do your part for the health of our world. It's a great combo, judging from the … Read More

Top Ten Opportunities in 2008 for Personal Businesses

By Dawn R. Rivers - Dec 29, 2007 - 20 Comments

Editor's Note: Dawn Rivers Baker joins us once again outlining the 10 best opportunities for those who run single-person businesses -- also known as nonemployer businesses or personal businesses or the self-employed. Even as a business of one person, you're sure to find at least one opportunity … Read More

New Business Ideas: Smart Cab Services

By Steven Teo - Dec 23, 2007 - 1 Comment

In the urban jungle we live and work in, cabs are the preferred way to all our destinations for many people. Cab usage continues to grow despite the various alternatives, and entrepreneurs in major cities of the world are creating waves in the cab industry with their bold new visions of taxi … Read More

Smaller and Younger Companies Get Overseas Presence

By Anita Campbell - Dec 7, 2007 - 3 Comments

High Street Partners was founded 3 years ago to help companies deal with the challenges and frustrations of doing business overseas. We've written previously about the growing trend of the micro-multinational. That trend is about companies that are very small and very young, yet have a global … Read More

Do You Mind Being Called A SMALL Business?

By Dharmesh Shah - Dec 3, 2007 - 4 Comments

"Hi, my name is Dharmesh, and I'm a small business person. No wait ...." By just about all definitions of the term, my company, HubSpot is a small business. We have about 20-25 people in the company and are a business (we sell a software system for internet marketing). But, if you meet me at a … Read More

New Business Ideas: Health is Wealth

By Steven Teo - Dec 2, 2007 - 4 Comments

Health is the new wealth. Many companies and entrepreneurs are creating new, innovative products with an emphasis on the consumer's health and body image, knowing that healthcare is an area which can unlock potential riches. Here are some of the most creative and interesting concepts we've seen … Read More

New Business Ideas: Common Scents

By Steven Teo - Nov 25, 2007 - 5 Comments

If you're an entrepreneur, it's common sense to use smells, scents, fragrances and odors as an incentive to lure consumers to purchase your products or services. After all, our sense of smell is part of our basic instincts without which many of our most important and significant experiences would … Read More

Intuit Says Tell Your Startup Story, Enter to Win $50,000

By Anita Campbell - Oct 15, 2007 - 7 Comments

Intuit came out today with big news: a campaign encouraging you to start your own business. The "Just Start" campaign consists of several exciting parts: a way for you to tell your entrepreneurial story or dream online; a contest; a traveling exhibit visiting four major cities; and even … Read More