A constant growth of new small firms is an important part of a healthy economy, yet little is known about the factors which determine success or failure in a small business. Success is concerned not only with the development of a product and its market but, more importantly, with the individual behind it. There are very few completely new ideas or products to guarantee success; therefore, the person seeking to start their own business must assemble customers and resources themselves before they start trading. The cases outlined here are all based on actual experience, and explore the...