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U.S. Census Bureau to Survey Business Owners
WASHINGTON -- The U. S. Census Bureau is asking 1.3 million business owners or self-employed persons to participate in a survey that is part of the 2002 economic census. The information they provide will help shape federal, state and local governments' business-assistance programs.Beginning May 6, selected businesses will receive the 2002 Survey of Business Owners. Answers to the questions in the survey are, by federal law, confidential. The survey is taken every five years."This survey is part of the 2002 Economic Census, which describes the economy from the national to the local level," says Louis Kincannon, Census Bureau director. "It also helps shape the way we, as a country, do business."In addition to collecting the gender, race and ethnic background of business owners, the survey features new questions about the age, education, veteran status and primary business functions of the business owners. Other new questions ask when the business was started, sources of equity capital for start-up or acquisition and types of customers and employees. Also new are questions about home-based businesses, family-owned businesses and franchises.The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency and other agencies will use the data to allocate resources for their business-promotion programs. Private firms, economic development organizations and individuals use the findings to evaluate industries and markets. Information gathered during the economic census also is used by researchers and academics.The Census Bureau will combine survey data with data from other economic census programs and administrative records to produce comprehensive data on receipts, employment, payroll, kind of business and location, by race, ethnicity and gender of business owners. The first reports from the survey are scheduled to be released in mid-2005.Business owners have 30 days to complete and return the forms.Visit the U.S. Census Bureau: www.census.gov"