FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are these surveys being taken?
To provide valuable economic data on business owners' race, ethnicity, and gender. These surveys are part of the economic census program, which the Census Bureau is required to conduct every 5 years by law (Title 13 of the United States Code). The Census Bureau combines data from these surveys with data from the other components of the economic census and presents them in the Survey of Minority-Owned Business Enterprises and the Survey of Women-Owned Business Enterprises publication and tabulation series. The published data include number of firms, sales and receipts, paid employees, and annual payroll and are presented by geographic area, industry, firm size, and legal form of organization.
Who uses the survey data?
Persons and institutions in both the public and private sectors extensively use these survey data. Accurate data regarding business ownership are critical to informed decision making by Federal, state, and local governments regarding business assistance programs. In addition, private companies and trade associations use the data to analyze industry trends; educators use them in teaching and research; and the media use them in news articles.
How are businesses selected for these surveys?
A national sample of businesses and self-employed persons was randomly selected to represent their type of business and geographic area. The use of a sample substantially limits the reporting burden on businesses and reduces the survey cost; however, it also greatly increases the importance of receiving a report from each business selected.
What businesses are included in these surveys?
Businesses were eligible to be selected for these surveys if they reported any business activity on any one of the following 1997 Internal Revenue Service tax forms:
Is each survey response kept confidential?
Yes. By law, the Census Bureau cannot give any individual responses to anyone (including government agencies) for any purpose. Survey responses are immune from legal action and exempt from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. Census Bureau publications summarize responses so that the confidentiality of respondents and their business activities is fully protected.
Why is the Census Bureau asking questions about the gender, race, and ethnicity of business owners?
These business owner characteristics are important for assistance program officials, industry organizations, economic and social analysts, and entrepreneurs. They are important to understanding conditions of business success and failure, showing census-to-census changes in business performances, and comparing minority/nonminority- and women/men-owned businesses.
Who establishes the race and ethnic categories listed on the form?
The race and ethnic categories and definitions listed on our survey questionnaires were mandated by the Office of Management and Budget. These standards were developed by both the Executive Branch and Congress.
Why is the Census Bureau asking questions now about 1997?
The complete sample for the survey cannot be selected until all tax records for 1997
are available. Use of these tax records delays the mailout of the survey, but allows us to
reduce significantly the number of survey questions and the survey cost. 
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
Company Statistics Division.
Phone Number: 301.763.3316
Revised March 2003
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