Who uses the survey data?
Persons and institutions in both the public and private sectors extensively use these survey data. Accurate data regarding business ownership are critical to informed decision making by Federal, state, and local governments regarding business assistance programs. In addition, private companies and trade associations use the data to analyze industry trends; educators use them in teaching and research; and the media use them in news articles.
The SBO statistics are used routinely by government program officials, industry organization leaders, economic and social analysts, and business entrepreneurs. Examples of data use include those by: • The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to assess business assistance needs and allocate available program resources. • Local government commissions on small and disadvantaged businesses to establish and evaluate contract procurement practices. • Federal, state and local government agencies as a framework for planning, directing and assessing programs that promote the activities of disadvantaged groups. • A national women-owned business trade association to assess women-owned businesses by industry and area, and educate other industry associations, corporations and government entities. • Consultants and researchers to analyze long-term economic and demographic shifts, and differences in ownership and performance among geographic areas. •
