Amazing headline, huh?

I had a long talk with Advocacy’s Brian Headd last week. Brian is one of the co-authors of the research covered in this week’s lead story and we spent a bit of time talking about what I often call “we-knew-that” research. It does happen and it happens often enough to be noticeable (if you’re paying attention at all). It all sounds stupid but it does need to be done.

As for as economists are concerned, nothing you think you know about small businesses, or microbusinesses, or even nonemployers, doesn’t amount to a hill of beans if there isn’t any underlying research around to prove it. Yes, even if you run a nonemployer business, you are presumed to know nothing about them if you haven’t done the research.

It’s just a different kind of world, isn’t it?

If you get a chance, do go check out the complete article profiling Lisa Tait and Silver Top Graphics. I had a lot of fun with the interview — though I guess it helped that I’ve known her for some time now — and you know how much I enjoy myth busting.

Also this week, Advocacy’s Small Business Quarterly Indicators for the second quarter of this year and, as usual, another edition of Policy Matters.

For more information

SBA Office of Advocacy
Silver Top Graphics