In the USA in the past ten years, small business
created over 20 million new jobs. And, that's conservative.

This is the heart and soul of the American economic engine, so the question needs to be asked and answered: How did they do it? Why did they do it? There is a story behind every net new job and we believe these stories need to be told and analyzed.

That being said, two facts need to change:

1. Over 70% of every business start up fails.

2. Over 70% of all solid businesses fail to transition beyond the founder. Though the 20+ million jobs is impressive, think how much more impressive it would be if less failed at the beginning and more succeeded in transferring the business to the next generation towards the founder's end.

We know this for a fact: it is never easy and there are no short cuts.

We believe by sharing these stories, we can learn best practices from each other and we'll find answers to questions such as:

• How can we help to increase the number of successful small business startups? Let's learn what the pitfalls are.
• How can we increase the number of businesses that transfer ownership and leadership to the next generation? Let us learn what our options are and how to exercise those options at the right time.
• What happens when we open ourselves to learn from each other and even celebrate the success of others?
• What is our path to wisdom? To a fulfilled life?" See our "Open Letter" about the importance of public television – not commercial television – and the need to support and even join your local public television station. From our viewers' responses, we believe we are on track.