The fact that most firms start small is not surprising, as the resources needed to launch larger operations are tough to come by at the outset of the venture. What does seem surprising, however, is that few start-ups grow by more than a few employees (Headd and Kirchhoff, 2009). So while 95 percent of employers started with fewer than 20 employees, about 90 percent of employers had fewer than 20 employees in 2006, according to SUSB. Most small firms start small, stay small, and close just a few years after opening. This typical life.
