This report documents the relationship between the supply of reliable, affordable, accessible child care and the health of Vermont's economy. The child care industry is a growing part of the Vermont economy, pumping money into local communities by supporting working families, creating jobs, and generating taxes through employment and the purchase…

Offers a writing assignment in which students analyze the operations of a failing small business and make written recommendations on improving prospects. (AEA)

A survey of 180 small businesses in the London, Ontario (Canada) area examined the role of the library in providing information. Found that small businesses mainly obtained information through informal sources: customers; suppliers; and friends, associates, and relatives. Concludes that public libraries should network and promote an image of the…

Focuses on school-based enterprises as a school-to-work option. These programs provide hands-on training for students with mild disabilities in for-profit ventures with the structure and supervision available in a school setting. Program development for operating for-profit enterprises is discussed and steps for getting the business started are…

Small and medium-sized enterprises are considered to be the backbone of many European economies and a catalyst for economic growth. Universities are key players in encouraging and supporting economic growth through technology and knowledge-related transfer. The right environment to foster transfer is a proactive culture. (Contains 22 references.)…

To overcome barriers to participation in small business training faced by rural Australian women, training needs and delivery issues were identified and a good practice matrix was developed with the following components: marketing, content, delivery, support, impact, and innovation. Underlying principles included unique needs, diversity, use of…

Presents a case study of a dry cleaning firm that can be used as a classroom activity. Provides a 12-question exercise based upon data collected. Activities are designed for both individuals and groups. (KO)

Notes the difficulty of developing and managing a child care business well. Describes Sharlit and McConnell's (1989) five-phase model of business growth as it might apply to a growing child care program. The phases of development described are creativity; direction; delegation; coordination; and collaboration. (TJQ)

The University of Warwick's Breakthrough Technologies program links with small and medium-sized businesses to stimulate awareness of innovations. The Manufacturing Excellence Initiative provides postgraduate training for company staff that focuses on best practices and change management. (SK)

Examines participation in small businesses by 272 immigrant entrepreneurs in Ontario (Canada) using a theoretical model viewing immigrant enterprise as a product of class and ethnic resources in combination with a favorable opportunity structure. In Ontario, Hong Kong Chinese immigrants predominate among new ethnic entrepreneurs. (SLD)

This article points out the critical importance of up-to-date information for small business entrepreneurs and describes two innovative initiatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): the national electronic bulletin board system called "SBA On-Line" and Business Information Centers in field locations. (JDD)

Part-time business students employed by small/medium-sized enterprises (n=22) generally considered course content relevant to small businesses, but thought guest speakers and case studies could improve courses. The students had problems finding enough time to assimilate learning. More flexibility in scheduling was desired. (SK)

Describes various programs in Appalachia that offer small loans and extensive technical assistance and training to entrepreneurs that operate microbusinesses (businesses with five or fewer employees). Discusses the potential of entrepreneurs and microbusinesses to stimulate economic development in small towns and rural areas such as Garrett…

Outlines the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) ladder adoption model which represents a limited/limiting vision of government-inspired support for ICT (Information and Communications Technology) implementation and development needs of firms in the small business sector of the UK economy. A more discriminate approach is recommended, focused…

Across the European Union there has been an increase in the number of programmes and initiatives aiming to promote small business and entrepreneurship. In line with this general trend, enterprise creation and entrepreneurship are increasingly recognised as vital for French post-industrial society, yet France is lagging behind Spain, the UK, Italy…