IN THE NEWS:
Evolving Entrepreneurship Patterns in the U.S.: Findings, Trends, and Next Steps for EPOP
The EPOP Survey Project has released its fourth wave of data, capturing a detailed snapshot of entrepreneurial activity in America in 2025. The accompanying research brief highlights key trends since the survey’s launch in 2022, including a continued decline in individuals considering new business ventures and a steady increase in former business owners. Participation in freelance and digital platform work has remained relatively stable, underscoring the continued importance of non-traditional employment in the U.S. economy.
View the EPOP:2025 research brief on evolving entrepreneurship trends in the U.S.
IN THE NEWS:
Start-Up Capital for U.S. Business Ventures: Evidence from EPOP:2024
The EPOP Survey Project has released the 2024 data on entrepreneurship in America and a new research brief focusing on challenges with obtaining capital to start new businesses. Exploring both traditional and emerging sources of capital, the EPOP:2024 data reveals that most business owners rely on their personal assets—credit cards in particular--to fund their start-ups. Entrepreneurs frequently apply for capital from external sources, but relatively few ultimately receive this funding.
IN THE NEWS:
Gender Differences in Patenting
In this report, researchers investigate differences in patenting between men and women. Using a sample of 4,743 early-stage current entrepreneurs from the 2022-2023 EPOP Survey, they analyzed patenting across a range of specific industry contexts. Their research concludes that men hold a higher share of patents in both female-dominated and male-dominated industries.
IN THE NEWS:
The Quality of Work for Immigrant Gig Workers
This paper examines the quality of work for immigrant gig workers compared to other types of workers. Using EPOP data, the researchers find that about 19 percent of immigrant workers and 21 percent of native-born workers participated in the gig economy as their primary or secondary job. They studied quality of work factors besides earnings, including: control over work schedule, stability, safety, benefits and insurance, and career advancement opportunities. This research reveals that immigrant gig workers experience some disadvantages in terms of the quality of work, but they have higher entrepreneurial aspirations.
View the report “Good Jobs or Bad Jobs? Immigrant Workers in the Gig Economy”
ACCESS THE DATA
The EPOP survey is a cross-sectional annual survey – nationally representative of adults residing in the U.S. – which measures the interest in, involvement with, and experiences with entrepreneurship across the population. Public Use data files and Restricted Use data files are available.
Public Use Files
- For general use without restriction
- Comprehensive data set
- Supports national, state, and regional analysis
- Data and documentation available
- Emailed to you directly
Restricted Use Files
- For specific research needs
- Adhere to strict data security procedures
- Requires an application process
- Requires data security training
- Requires signing a Data Use Agreement
DATA IN ACTION
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State-Level Data
Demographic Data
MSA-Level Data
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
January 3-5, 2026: Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) ASSA Meeting
June 2025: Disability-Owned Business Fact Sheet
May 2025: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Business Ownership Fact Sheet
April 2025: Returning Citizen Business Ownership Fact Sheet
March 2025: Women Business Ownership Fact Sheet
February 2025: The Online Platform Based “Gig” Workforce in the U.S.
February 2025: Black Business Ownership Fact Sheet
OUR METHODOLOGY
EPOP is a five-year, cross-sectional, nationally representative survey which measures entrepreneurship status and activity in the US. From 2022 to 2026, NORC will conduct the EPOP survey and publicly share the survey results for data users. The results support estimation by key demographic subgroups across the nation. The upcoming fifth survey will include a longitudinal subsample to support research on entrepreneurial dynamics over time.
