A History of Small Business in America

From the colonial era to the present day small businesses have been an integral part of American life. First published in 1991 and now thoroughly revised and updated <i>A History of Small Business in America</i> explores the central but ever-changing role played by small enterprises in the nation’s economic political and cultural development.<br/><br/>Examining small businesses in manufacturing sales services and farming Mansel Blackford argues that while small firms have always been important to the nation’s development their significance has varied considerably in different time periods and in different segments of our economy. Throughout he relates small business development to changes in America’s overall business and economic systems and offers comparisons between the growth of small business in the United States to its development in other countries. He places special emphasis on the importance of small business development for women and minorities. Unique in its breadth this book provides the only comprehensive overview of these significant topics.