More Businesses Are Being Launched, But They're Smaller Than Before

The economy stumbles along

Americans are regaining their entrepreneurial spirit, but midsize business creation fell to the lowest since 1993, holding back job growth now and in the future.

The number of establishments that opened for business in 2011 was 582,810, up 5.7% from 2010, according to new Census Bu reau data. It's the second straight annual increase but still 22% below the prerecession high.

But the latest gains, which include operations under common ownership or control, were concentrated among establishments employing just one to four people.