Small businesses are popping up everywhere and providing huge career opportunities for those with the know-how and passion to do it right. According to the Small Business Association, the estimated 27.2 million small businesses in the United States employ about half of the country’s private sector workforce. This includes 40% of high tech workers such as scientists, engineers and computer specialists. 274 members of the Forbes 400 richest people in America are self-made success stories. Bill Gates (Microsoft), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Phil Knight (Nike) and all the rest started with a good idea. Then, they worked hard to make it happen. And you can, too. If you want to succeed in your own business, you need to set your own goal plus have the skills and determination needed to reach it. Consider 28-year-old Mark Zuckerberg. He launched Facebook in his dorm room in 2004 and is now the youngest member of the Forbes 400 with a net worth of $2 billion!

Successful entrepreneurs don’t just start with a good idea. They must also understand their marketplace and know their competition. They have to believe in what they are doing and put in the long hours to make it happen. A career as an entrepreneur could be right for you if you: Think success should be based on your talents and personality Are not afraid of hard work and long hours Are self-confident and can clearly define your own goals Can clearly communicate and sell your ideas to others Have good people skills