"Small" Business is Sometimes Best Business

Ready to enter the job market? Considering changing jobs? Think smaller and minority- or women-owned businesses.

This is especially true if you live in Florida. The Miami Herald online reports that from 1992 to 1997, the number of small businesses in Florida grew by 30 percent, higher than the nation's rate of 20 percent (7/16/01). Nationally, according to the site, minority-owned businesses grew by 74 percent and women-owned businesses grew by 58 percent.

When searching for a job, students often think "big business"-large corporations or multinational organizations. But the majority of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses-according to the Small Business Association Web page (http://www.sba.gov/size/Main-faq.html), these are businesses having

• 500 employees for most manufacturing and mining industries
  
• 100 employees for all wholesale trade industries
  
• $5 million for most retail and service industries
  
• $17 million for most general & heavy construction industries
  
• $7 million for all special trade contractors
  
• $0.5 million for most agricultural industries

With many large companies currently laying off employees, small businesses may be an attractive alternative to corporate employment for finding a job. They may also offer more stable employment once you are there.

Cast your "net" widely enough to consider all of your options when searching for a job. The little store around the corner, engineering firm across the street, or casual boutique you pass on the way to school or your present job might just have that perfect opportunity for you.

For more information on finding the right job, see Unit Seven.