Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents: 1. The Challenge of owning and managing a small business: The Dynamic role of small business -- Opportunities and challenges in small business -- Legal forms of ownership -- 2. Planning for and organizing a business: How to become the owner of a small business -- The Role of planning in organizing and managing a small business -- Obtaining the right financing for your business -- 3. Marketing goods and services: Developing marketing strategies -- Product promotion and distribution -- 4. Organizing and managing the business: Managing human resources and diversity in small firms -- Maintaining relationships with your employees and their representatives -- 5. Operating the business: Locating and laying out operating facilities -- Purchasing, inventory and quality control -- 6. Financial planning and control: Planning for profit -- Budgeting and controlling operations and taxes -- Using computer technology in small businesses -- 8. Providing present and future security for the business: Risk management, insurance and crime prevention -- Business-Government relations and business ethics -- Family-owned businesses: planning for the future --