The Last Best Hope: How to Start and Grow Your Own Business

Alice Kidd is an editor with The New Catalyst editorial collective in
Lillooet, B.C.

According to the author’s own statistics, 97 percent of businesses
meet the definition of small (fewer than 50 employees). Further, “88%
of all companies have under twenty employees, 59% employ fewer than
five.” Many of the smallest companies are home-based and woman-owned
and -operated.

McQueen’s book is well presented, with informative subheadings, a
recurring “Start-Up Tips” feature, lots of examples, and clear
chapter summaries. More a reference work than a step-by-step procedural
self-help book, it reads like an upbeat economic analysis. The
author’s own last best hope becomes clear as you read. His book seems
aimed primarily at the largest of the small. Most of his examples are
rags-to-riches stories; much of his advice is most useful after the
earliest startup phase is over.

For an economic analyst to ignore the contribution of the smaller firms
is fairly typical. The smallest businesses rarely stand out in documents
and charts calibrated in six figures or more. However, in times of
increasing unemployment, new, small-scale firms in a local community
provide the last best hope for many of us. Home-based businesses allow
many women to contribute to family economic survival without adding the
cost of transportation and daycare. Finally, those wanting to start a
business will find in this book very little detailed advice on preparing
business plans or cash flows.