Office of Advocacy
    U.S. Small Business Administration

    NEWSRELEASE

    For Release: October 10, 2006
    Contact:     John McDowell, (202) 205-6941
    john.mcdowell@sba.gov
    SBA Number:     06-20 ADVO
    Press Kit

    Contracts To Study Small Business Awarded

    Research Results Will Deepen Understanding Of Small Business Issues

    WASHINGTON, D.C. - Nineteen researchers from across the country have been awarded contracts to study small business by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Their research will deepen the understanding of the role that small business plays in economic growth and development.

    “The United States is a leader in the world’s economy,” said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy. “The results of these studies will help policymakers understand how small business led the way in achieving that status, and how public policy can affect this dynamic sector of the economy.”

    The following individuals and firms received research contracts:
    Researcher Location Area of Study
    · Dr. Scott Shane and Erin Kepler Shaker Heights, OH Study the differences between male and female-led ventures.
    · Economic Consulting Services Washington, DC Examine and contrast retirement plans between large and small firms.
    · Innovation and Information Consultants Concord, MA Analyze the influence antitrust activities have on small businesses in selected industries.
    · E.H. Pechan & Associates Springfield, VA Determine how energy prices affect small business.
    · Business Development Advisors Arlington, VA Investigate how human capital affects women’s business ownership.
    · Microeconomic Applications Washington, DC Consider the influence of HUBZones on small business development and job creation.
    · Krahenbuhl Global Consulting Chicago, IL Explore the capital structure of small firms.
    · Corporate Research Board Washington, DC Look into the impact of “gazelles” (small fast-growing firms) on economic growth.
    · Dr. Rafi Efrat Porter Ranch, CA Appraise the tax indebtedness of bankruptcy filers.
    · Dr. Eric Seibert Clemson, SC Research the use of family health insurance coverage.
    · Lawrence Plummer Westminster, CO Observe the effect that new firms entrants have on existing markets.
    · Joseph LiPuma Wayne, PA Assess the relations between globalization, venture capital, and international experience of management in start-up firms.
    · Dr. Bruce Kirchoff Newark, NJ Evaluate the relationship between business age and growth.
    · Dr. Andrew Wolk Boston, MA Discuss the role of social entrepreneurs in the economy.
    · Dr. George Haynes Bozeman, MT Interpret the relationship between veterans’ income and wealth.
    · Dr. Josh Lerner South Hamilton, MA Develop a White Paper on small business financing.
    · Dr. Rick Boden Toledo, OH Execute research into wage and salary data as it relates to the self-employment decision by non-employers.
    · Dr. William Gartner and Dr. Jon Liao Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL Review how nascent entrepreneurs use business planning as part of their start-up activities.
    · TPJ Associates Hanson, MA Study the impact of specific regulations on small business.

    The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.

    For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

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    The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.