I’m not sure why it took so long, but the New York Times now has a regular small-business section. It should offer plenty of opportunity for both ad sales (focusing on underserved small business merchants is the latest goldmine in B2B) and readers.

Included in the inaugural coverage is a handy start guide, with plenty of resource links. It does include the longstanding sobering statistic about mortality rates:

“If you’re new you have about a 50-50 chance of surviving five years,” said Brian Headd, an economist with the Office of Advocacy, which tracks small businesses and examines the impact of proposed regulations on them.

Basically the same odds as having a successful marriage. So enjoy the crapshoot, whether it’s down the economic or emotional path!

Not that anyone’s asking me, but I’ll take this opportunity to impart some helpful advice I got many years ago, regarding fundamental approach when going into any business (presumably small start-up):

Distinguish the purpose of your entrepreneurial endeavor. Are you doing it for the experience of making a livelihood out of your vocation, or is the experience of simply being your own boss — regardless of line of business — the motivation? As an example: Are you an auto mechanic who wants to start a business, or a businessperson who wants to get into the auto repair game? That strategic determination is key.