Microcomputer-based expert decision support for small business start-up and operations

United States government and private statistics support the fact that small businesses are pervasive and economically important in terms of the work force employed GNP produced, new jobs created, and innovations developed. Yet, small business failures are higher than desired, with the predominate reason being management shortcomings. This paper investigates the potential and design of an integrated microcomputer-based expert decision support system (DSS) for improved small business start-up and operations. Predominant end users of the system would be small business counselors (SBDC, SBI, SCORE, etc.) and small business entrepreneurs. Presented is are view of the role of counselors, an analysis of expert systems applicability, and an architecture for a loosely-coupled integrated expert DSS. The conclusion reached is that microcomputer-based expert DSS offer advantages for improved small business counseling and self-help.