Dear pbdancindiva,
You requested information about the number of small businesses online
in 2002.
Typically, statistics for the current year begin showing up several
months into the next year – i.e., accurate 2002 statistics will be
available early to mid- 2003. However, estimates and predictions are
nearly always available.
The SBA – Small Business Administration – tracks small business’ use
of technology. In its latest report, published in June 2000 and
titled “Small Business Expansions in Electronic Commerce,” the SBA
reports that 61% of small businesses had Internet access in 1999. The
SBA estimates 85% would have an online presence by 2002, basing its
prediction on an IDC report. The SBA report is available at –
http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/advo/stats/e_comm2.pdf
This seems to be the very latest SBA report on this subject.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately six
million small businesses in the United States (defined as businesses
with less than 500 employees). Relevant statistics supporting this
number can be found at –
http://blue.census.gov/epcd/www/smallbus.html
Therefore, the number of small businesses online in 2002 can be
estimated as 85% of six million, or 5.1 million small businesses.
This number would seem to be substantiated by a Yankee Group report
claiming approximately 70% of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)
purchase online as of mid-2002, since the number of businesses online
would be somewhat greater than the number purchasing online. This
report is referenced here –
http://www.nua.com/surveys/index.cgi?f=VS&art_id=905358210&rel=true
In a 1998 Forbes article, “Thinking Small to Win Big,” Om Malik wrote
“The number of small businesses online will increase from 2.8 million
in 1997 to 4.6 million in 2002, a compound annual growth rate of
10.4%, according to IDC.” This provides additional support for the
estimate I have come up with above.
I hope this response adequately addresses your request.
Thanks,
ragingacademic
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