January 31, 2011 (Powerhomebiz.net) The White House launched today a new program called StartUp America Partnership. This is a public-private sector initiative designed to boost entrepreneurship in the United States today. The government’s partners in this endeavor include tech giants such as IBM and Intel.
According to the White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/startup-america, the core goals of this program are to:
- Increase the number of new high-growth firms that are creating economic growth, innovation, and quality jobs;
- Celebrate and honor entrepreneurship as a core American value and source of competitive advantage; and
- Inspire and empower an ever-greater diversity of communities and individuals to build great American companies.
AOL co-founder and Case Foundation Chairman Steve Case will lead the effort, with the goal of building businesses that scale and create millions of jobs. Among the commitment of the government include:
- $2 billion as a match to private sector investment from SBA to high growth companies
- One year patent process assistance
All sounds good, but the key question for home business entrepreneurs is: How will it help the very small businesses of this country?
From how it is shaping, Startup America is very tech focused, which many home-based entrepreneurs are not. The program is also touted as focusing on high-growth businesses, which may not define most home businesses. Plumbers, virtual assistants, bloggers, daycare owners, pet sitters and other home-based entrepreneurs are not likely to benefit from the program as they are not considered high-growth businesses. This is especially true for lifestyle entrepreneurs who are not looking to build a giant corporation that employs thousands of people, only for enough income to support their families and allow them to pursue their passions.
Home business entrepreneurs, who are also in dire need of capital, may not have the types of businesses that can scale and grow into huge businesses that create lots of jobs.
The Startup America is a good start, but if the government really wants to spur entrepreneurship in the country, then it needs to look at the very smallest of the entrepreneurs. Not everyone wants to become the next Facebook or Apple; many more simply want to pursue entrepreneurship to help improve their lives.