The data on entrepreneurial activity presents a mixed picture in the United States according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2010 National Entrepreneurial Assessment for the USA, conducted by Babson College and Baruch College.
“The picture of entrepreneurial activity in the U.S. painted by this report continues to exhibit elements of light and dark. While some improvements have occurred, the extent to which the economic downturn affected entrepreneurial activity remains unclear. Many trends in entrepreneurial activity have persisted, particularly the rates of opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship. These trends merit further examination, as they are likely to affect the economic wealth of the country,” said GEM researchers.
Key Findings
Early Stage Entrepreneurs
- Total early-stage entrepreneurial prevalence rate showed a small decline from 8.0% in 2009 to 7.7% in 2010.
- Yet early-stage entrepreneurs are positive thinkers -- 23.3% expect to create more than 10 jobs with 50% growth over the next 5 years.
- New value in social ventures - start-up entrepreneurs are increasingly focused on both social and economic goals suggesting a growing commitment to social entrepreneurship strengthened with a realistic commitment to an economic model.