• The latest Census data showed that 4.2 million Americans worked from home in 2000. That’s a 23-percent increase from the number of home-based workers in 1990.

• A 2004 study released by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy, Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership in the Veteran Population (2004), found that America’s military veterans have the entrepreneurial bug. The survey of veterans showed that about 22 percent had started a business or were considering purchasing or starting one.

• A 2004 survey by credit card company Capital One and Consumer Action revealed that 40 percent of Americans dream of starting their own business.

• Another survey from Wells Fargo and Gallup hit on the reason that so many people want to be entrepreneurs: Most people who have started their own businesses like it! The Wells Fargo/Gallup poll surveyed current small-business owners and found that 86 percent say they would do it again. Of those surveyed, 76 percent said that they believed they were better off financially than if they had opted to work for another company.

But the Capital One and Consumer Action also revealed a big barrier to self-employment: Nearly 55 percent of Americans who want to launch a business admitted that they don’t know what’s involved in getting a small business off the ground.

“Our survey showed that most aspiring entrepreneurs are at a loss when it comes to getting the basic information they need to pursue their dream,” notes Ken McEldowney, Executive Director of Consumer Action.

What You Can Do

If you’re itching to launch your own business, here five resources you can tap to help you get started:

1. SCORE
This national organization offers free and confidential small-business advice, delivered by people who have experience in running successful businesses. Get help online at www.score.org. Or call (800) 634-0245.

2. Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
SBDCs are the assistance arm of the SBA. They offer workshops, seminars, conferences and courses at nearly 1,000 locations across the United States. Find out more at www.sba.gov/sbdc.

3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Membership in the NASE (www.nase.org) gives you access to a wealth of small-business resources, including:

• Specialists who can answer your questions about financing, marketing and more

• CPAs that can help you understand your tax responsibilities

• Discounts on stuff your new business will need, such as accounting software and office supplies

4. EntrepreneurialConnection.com
Powered by the NASE, this Web portal is rich with in-depth articles, links to resources and an e-newsletter – all geared to small-business owners. The content is free.

5. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The granddaddy of small-business information. Spend a few hours (or a few days) studying the Web site at www.sba.gov. You’ll find information, Web links, articles and hundreds of other resources about starting a small business