By bringing together aspects of the public, private and non-profit sectors to address a market failure, social entrepreneurs have, in a variety of ways, helped to create an economic environment in which private entrepreneurs and small businesses can flourish. In documenting the number of small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and service-disabled veterans, it is possible to gain a better understanding of their contributions to the economy. This report also summarises the economic and small business financial climate in 2006.