The website RocketHub connects startups with a funding network. Here, the site's founders (from left): Alon Hillel-Tuch, Vladimir Vukicevic, Brian Meece and Jed Cohen. RocketHub hide caption
The State Of The American Small Business Is small business really the engine of the U.S. economy? Why do many consumers choose big-box stores instead of local businesses? What are the headwinds facing entrepreneurs? NPR explores these and other issues facing small businesses in the U.S.
Special Series
The State Of The American Small Business
NPR explores issues facing small businesses in the U.S.
Steve Jungmann, vice president at the tech startup Quanttus, holds up an early prototype of the biometric sensors the company will use on its wearable products. The current version is much smaller. Chris Arnold/NPR hide caption
Rhonda Sanderson and her ex-husband, John Amato III, shown here in 2010, helped make a business thrive after they divorced. Courtesy of Rhonda Sanderson hide caption
Is this coffee shop going to grow to be the next Starbucks? iStockphoto.com hide caption
Gary Robins sits in the chair of his Supercuts salon in Media, Pa., one of 41 he owns throughout Philadelphia and Delaware. Will Figg for NPR hide caption
Sweetgreen co-founders Nathaniel Ru (from left), Jonathan Neman and Nicolas Jammet at the opening of a Virginia location last year. Courtesy of Sweetgreen hide caption
Since the recession ended, small businesses have started to rebound. But they still face headwinds. iStockphoto.com hide caption
