Skip to main content
Main Navigation Logo
  • Researchers
    • Interactive Data
    • Public Use Files
    • Restricted Use Files
    • Interested in an Extra EPOP Survey?
  • Participants
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Why Participate
    • THANK YOU
  • Media
    • Publications
    • In the News
  • About the Study
    • Methodology
    • Small Area Estimates
  • About Us
Take the Survey *

EXTRA EPOP SURVEYS AND OVERSAMPLES

THE EPOP ENTERPRISE 

Started in 2021, EPOP is a multi-year initiative conducted by a team of researchers at NORC at the University of Chicago with funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The EPOP initiative is unique in that it directly asks individuals along all parts of the entrepreneurial pathway about their experiences.  

DO YOU NEED AN EXTRA EPOP SURVEY OR OVERSAMPLE?

By understanding the challenges facing all potential business owners, the EPOP Survey can help local governments and organizations better identify the issues facing their own communities and how to release the stored economic potential of promising entrepreneurs in their area.  

EPOP data is nationally representative.  Both public and restricted use data are available from each annual survey. The annual EPOP Survey sample design supports the following estimation objectives:

  • All EPOP survey cycles support national estimates of entrepreneurial activity by demographics such as race/ethnicity, gender, age, and education, but not necessarily by the cross of these demographic variables.
  • Data from EPOP:2022, 2023, and 2024 support state-level and major metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level estimates of entrepreneurial activity by race/ethnicity and gender, but not necessarily by the cross of these variables.
  • To support the research community, data from EPOP:2026 will support longitudinal estimation of key entrepreneurial measures.

More precise estimation is possible to support specific research needs by adding an oversample to an annual national EPOP Survey by conducting an extra customized survey tailored to specific research objectives:

If you’re interested in having an oversample of a particular geographic area for more in-depth analysis, increased coverage of a particular demographic group of the population, or conducting a separate, customized EPOP Survey, contact us to discuss the details of your research needs and to get a cost estimate. 

 

CONTACT US

We’re happy to discuss the current EPOP project and what we can do to support the unique research needs of independent researchers, state and local governments, or other research organizations.  

Please contact the EPOP research team at EPOPresearch@norc.org. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH

We want to hear about your research and analysis using EPOP Survey data. Let us know about your presentations, reports, and publications, and we will add them to Publications. 
 

Contact us at EPOPresearch@norc.org.

IN THE NEWS

Disability-Owned Business Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2024 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) describes the unique experiences of entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Learn More June 2025
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Business Ownership Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2024 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) shows the contributions of AANHPI entrepreneurs in the U.S. business community.

Learn More May 2025
Returning Citizen Business Ownership Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2024 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) looks at the entrepreneurial experiences of individuals who have reentered society after incarceration.

Learn More April 2025

VIEW ALL

PUBLICATIONS

Gendered Innovation Landscapes: Entrepreneurial Patenting in Male- and Female-Dominated Industries
Learn More June 18, 2025
Gender Gaps in the Gig Economy: Consequences for Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century
Learn More June 17, 2025
Balancing Risk and Reward: Health Insurance and the Financial Stability of Female Entrepreneurs with Children
Learn More May 2025

VIEW ALL

INTERESTED IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH WITH NORC?

Please reach out to:

Office of Business Development

EPOP is a survey for U.S. residents that asks individuals about their experience with and attitudes towards owning a business or working for themselves.

Entrepreneurship in the Population

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

NORC at the University of Chicago

Researchers

Interactive Data

Public Use Files

Restricted Use Files

Methodology

Publications

In the News

About Us

About EPOP

Participants

FAQ

Why Participate?

PARTICIPANT RIGHTS

If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, please contact the NORC IRB Manager at IRB@norc.org or call: (866) 309-0542

TAKE THE SURVEY *

 

*The survey sample is scientifically selected.  The EPOP Survey is by invitation only.

© 2022-2025 NORC EPOP  | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS