The document discusses entrepreneurs and small businesses. It defines entrepreneurs as individuals who start new businesses despite risks in order to achieve profit and growth. It notes that over 6 million new businesses are started annually in the US. Entrepreneurs have characteristics like initiative, risk-taking, self-reliance and perseverance. While starting a small business has benefits like independence, it also has drawbacks like long hours, stress and uncertainty. Small businesses are a major force in the US economy, making up over 99% of all businesses and creating the majority of new jobs.