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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.
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The State Of The American Small Business

NPR explores issues facing small businesses in the U.S.

Small Businesses Fight Big-Box Stores By Specializing

As online and mega stores take up more of the retail landscape, small mom-and-pop shops are getting more specific. We examine one of the ways small stores are looking to survive and possibly thrive.

Small Businesses Fight Big-Box Stores By Specializing

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Small Firms May Soon Turn To Crowdfunding To Sell Shares
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Small Firms May Soon Turn To Crowdfunding To Sell Shares

Crowdfunding is popular among musicians, filmmakers and artists looking for a way to finance their next project. Now the Securities and Exchange Commission is considering rules that would allow small companies to solicit investments over the Internet and sell shares to the public.

Small Firms May Soon Turn To Crowdfunding To Sell Shares

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What Happens When The Pace Of Startups Slows Down

Is this coffee shop going to grow to be the next Starbucks? iStockphoto.com hide caption

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What Happens When The Pace Of Startups Slows Down

New businesses normally create many of the new jobs in the American economy. But since the financial crisis, the pace of business formation has slowed sharply. Some economists worry that with fewer companies forming for five years now, that's going to stunt job growth for years to come.

What Happens When The Pace Of Startups Slows Down

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What Small Businesses May Lose By Using Online Tools

Digital tools make starting a small business easier than ever. There are apps and websites to incorporate, find lawyers, make payroll, manage HR and marketing. Convenience can come at a price, however, if it means entrepreneurs aren't making personal connections as they establish their businesses.

What Small Businesses May Lose By Using Online Tools

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The Roots Of Franchising Took Hold In A Hair Salon Chain

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

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Will Figg for NPR

The Roots Of Franchising Took Hold In A Hair Salon Chain

Franchising is commonplace throughout the retail and service economy, whose pioneers included a former servant turned hair salon owner in the late 19th century. Such businesses are not for everyone, but Gary Robins, who owns dozens of Supercuts, says the setup has allowed him to grow more quickly than if he were on his own.

The Roots Of Franchising Took Hold In A Hair Salon Chain

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When It Comes To Jobs, Not All Small Businesses Make It Big

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

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Courtesy of Sweetgreen

When It Comes To Jobs, Not All Small Businesses Make It Big

When politicians say that small businesses are key to job growth, what most people imagine are mom-and-pop shops — the dry cleaner or coffee place. It may make a good sound bite, but research shows that most small businesses stay small. Only a fraction of these do grow into something big.

When It Comes To Jobs, Not All Small Businesses Make It Big

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Small Businesses: Big Concerns And High Hopes

Since the recession ended, small businesses have started to rebound. But they still face headwinds. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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Small Businesses: Big Concerns And High Hopes

The neighborhood hardware store, the cozy diner, the independent bookstore — they have seen customers leave in droves for Lowe's, Starbucks and Amazon.com. After shrinking dramatically during the Great Recession, small businesses are starting to grow again. But they still face plenty of headwinds.

When It Comes To Businesses, How Big Is Small?
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When It Comes To Businesses, How Big Is Small?

Small businesses are celebrated and exalted as the hard-working, most deserving members of the political economy. They get tax breaks, and they're touted as the engines of job creation. But it turns out that when trying to figure out what a small business is, there is no one definition.

When It Comes To Businesses, How Big Is Small?

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