The Contribution of Home-Based Business Income to Rural and Urban Economies

During the past decade, many rural and urban residents have turned to home-based self-employment as a means of providing for themselves and their families. Homebased work can be considered aform of community development for its potential as an alternative or supplemental income source for residents and for its economic multiplier effect on a community and region. This article reports results from a nine-state study on home-based employment who does it and what they do and estimates its economic impact on communities. Suggestions for building a supportive environment for home-based and microenterprises are discussed.