The hope of opening a small business has been thrashed as sources of funding has dried up.  The vast majority of entrepreneurs use personal savings or monies from relatives or family, but personal wealth has dwindled as values of stock holdings or homes has plummeted.

 Banks these days are trying to strengthen their capital reserves, so are less likely to loan, even to those with excellent track records.   

 Venture capitalists are continuing to invest, but generally in later-stage companies, rather than start-ups. 

 Small Business Administration loans are lower as well.  The SBA approved less than 45,000 loans for the year ended in September 30, down 36% from a year earlier.

 2010 portends to be better than last year for entrepreneurs, but not as good as conditions were two years ago