Interesting information on startup costs and failure rates through the world.

http://www.readwriteweb.com/biz/2011/01/the-cost-of-starting-a-small-b.php#dsq-form-area

See the potential we have in america for small businesses? We need to utilize it and seize the moment while we have the opportunity. Look at the failure rates! That means those businesses that have been around since you were a kid are doing something right. That's why you should be shopping there.