An examination of the utilization of electronic government services by minority small businesses

There are a wide variety of e-government information and services that small business owners and managers can utilize. However, in spite of all of the service incentives and initiatives to promote e-government, research studies have shown that this information is not widely accessed. Studies that explore the utilization of e-government information by small businesses are scarce.;This study sheds light on e-government information utilization in the business context. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Internet accessibility and e-government information awareness for minority small business enterprises. This study sought to explain the Internet access capabilities of small business managers and to identify the e-government information and services accessed by minority small business managers. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather relevant data from a random selection of small business managers in New York City.;This study found that minority small business managers are comfortable with using the Internet to support their business operations. They perceive e-government information to be important and they are aware of most of the e-government information that is available but do not use e-government information very frequently. A solution to this is to provide small business owners and managers with additional guidance on how to effectively use e-government information within their specific business environment.;The results of this study were used to develop a minority small business e-government user profile that included business size, manager activities, and manager outlook. This profile has the potential to be used by small business managers and information professionals alike to add insight into the small business managers that are using e-government information. The preliminary profile presented in this study identifies the characteristics that small business managers need to maintain effective use of e-government information.;This research supports the expansion and growth of small businesses in relation to the use of e-government information and services. Having a better understanding of the small business community's e-government information usage and needs is foundational to providing much needed support for small businesses.