Business Start-Up Intentions in Urban and Rural Minnesota

Abstract

From 1987 to 1991 the percent of Minnesota adults who intended to start a business increased from 13.2% to 15.8%, based on probability samples from the state and its northeastern region. Interest in starting a business was higher in urban cores and within the following subsets: among male respondents, although interest among females grew more during these four years; among self-identified minorities, among those self employed already; among those who had invented something, particularly younger respondents; and among respondents living in households with more than two adults. Expectations that drive the decision were different at different ages, as was the degree of commitment sustained.