SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

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April 25-29 Is National Small Business Week

April 2005 (Newstream) -- There are almost 24 million small businesses in the United States, according to the latest data from the Small Business Administration. A recent survey conducted by Capital One shows that while 66 percent of Americans dream of owning their own business, 55 percent say their greatest obstacle is finding the initial cash.

What most aspiring business owners don't realize is that there are many options available to them including government and bank loans and small business credit cards.

Experts say the first step aspiring business owners should take is determining which type of funding best suits their needs. If you're not sure where to start, it's always wise to talk to a small business advisor.

To learn more, aspiring entrepreneurs can get started using the variety of information available online. The Better Business Bureau's BBBTips for Small Business, (www.bbb.org), and sites from small business lenders like Capital One, (www.capitalone.com), are a good place to start.