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PUBLIC USE FILES

ABOUT THE DATA

EPOP survey data is available for researchers to explore, analyze, and share findings on entrepreneurship in the US. Public use files (PUFs) are comprehensive data sets available to the general public without restriction.  PUFs are fully anonymized, meaning that the risk of re-identifying survey respondents is negligible. This data supports analysis at national, state, and regional levels. 

To request EPOP PUFs, please complete the form below and agree to the Conditions of Use. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*). 

When the request form is submitted, the EPOP research team will email you instructions on accessing the PUF data package which includes: 

  • Data files and formatting programs
  • Questionnaire: 2022, 2023, 2024
  • PUF Codebook: 2022, 2023, 2024
  • User Guide: 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Survey Item Crosswalk (shows the survey variables and survey pathways for the different categories of entrepreneurship): 2022, 2023, 2024 
  • Methodology Report: 2022, 2023

Currently, data is available for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The PUF release dates are:

2022 data: January 20, 2023
2023 data: April 15, 2024
2024 data: October 15, 2024

Citations, referred to below in the Conditions of Use, should appear as:

“Entrepreneurship in the Population (EPOP) Survey Project Public Use Data File: <year>.” NORC at the University of Chicago. <month> <day>, <year>. EPOP.norc.org

Details on the EPOP Survey methodology are available at About the Study.

If you have comments or questions about the PUF data, please contact the EPOP research team at EPOPresearch@norc.org.

Request Public Use Files

Please select the survey year(s) for the data you will receive*


            
          

               
      

        
      

        
      

        
      

            
          

            
          

    

          

When do you expect to publish, report, or present using EPOP data?


            
          

Conditions of Use:

I agree to the following Conditions of Use for EPOP public use data sets. These conditions are required to access the files.

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

Women Business Ownership Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2024 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) presents a profile of women business owners and their impact on the economy.

Learn More March 2025
Black Business Ownership Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2024 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) highlights the significant contributions of Black entrepreneurs and opportunities for support.

Learn More February 2025
Latino Business Ownership Fact Sheet

Using EPOP:2023 data, the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) calls attention to Latino business owners’ contributions to the U.S. economy and the unique challenges they face. AEO uses EPOP:2023 data to study Latino entrepreneurs—to quantify their numbers, recognize the priority they place on growing their businesses, and note that they face inequitable access to resources and support.

Learn More October 2024

VIEW ALL

PUBLICATIONS

Balancing Risk and Reward: Health Insurance and the Financial Stability of Female Entrepreneurs with Children
Learn More May 2025
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.

Learn More December 19, 2024
Minority Business Retail Growth

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) examined minority entrepreneurs in the retail industry using EPOP:2023 data. Their report “Assessing Challenges and Opportunities for Minority Business Retail Growth” focuses on small Black-owned retail businesses. This analysis utilizes EPOP data to underscore obstacles for Black retailers, such as, finding customers, doing taxes, and networking.

Learn More September 2024

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

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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.

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