Self-Employment Among Latinos and Women Increases

Self-employment rates for women, blacks, and Latinos have risen sharply since 1979, according to a new study by the Office of Advocacy. Between 1979 and 2003, self-employment rates increased across ethnic group and gender, and the total number of self-employed business owners increased more than 5 percent.

"Self-employment is a critical part of our economy," said Thomas M. Sullivan, chief counsel for advocacy. "Self-employment provides the main source of income for a diverse group of over 12 million Americans. The increase in self-employment rates for women, blacks, and Latinos show that small business ownership can move minorities and women further into our economic mainstream."

View the complete text of Self- Employed Business Ownership Rates in the United States: 1979- 2003 on Advocacy's website, www.sba.gov/advo/research/ rs243tot.pdf.