Starting up when the economy's down: A snapshot of Minnesota's new entrepreneurs.

The article reports on a survey of 20 entrepreneurs in Minnesota who have launched their start-up businesses during the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009. These entrepreneurs, who set up businesses largely in finance, insurance, manufacturing and real estate, were asked about their initial financing, reasons for launching during the downturn and survival strategies. The involvement of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in entrepreneurship and rates of new business launching in Minnesota from 1977 to 2005 are also discussed.