SmallBizResource Blog -- Retail

'Just Start 'Offers New SMB A Launch Pad

Posted by Judy Mottl Tuesday, Oct 16, 2007, 04:11 AM ET

Those of you running a successful small business should know one thing: you’re revered and admired by a good portion of Americans who have dreams of starting their own business.

Those of you running a successful small business should know one thing: you’re revered and admired by a good portion of Americans who have dreams of starting their own business.

And luckily for them—the 72 percent of the US population yearning to run their own shop—some very big business is intent on making the dream come true.

According to the recent “Just Start” Intuit survey about the spirit of entrepreneurism 81 percent think owning a small business is more empowering than a “regular" job.

The big hurdle holding a majority back from hanging a shingle is the fear of not making enough money. Yet 84 percent think that if they started their own business, they would be more passionate about their work.

That’s why Intuit has launched the Just Start campaign as a way to encourage wishful entrepreneurs to take the next step.

Contest entrants just need to submit a letter or video describing their business dream, what they need to do to make it happen and how they would use Intuit’s “Just Start” $50,000 business grant of cash and professional services to get started.

So if you’re thinking of launching another new small business, or know someone who’s been talking about being their own for years and just can’t seem to take the big step, share the news of the contest.

Oh and Intuit’s got an early holiday gift for both current SMB owners and wannabes: it’s offering its QuickBooks Simple Start software (value about $100) for free by download.

Retail