How about some research?  LOTS of research.

The Kauffman Foundation recently published a long list of economic research findings and start-up demographics.  Even better, for each result listed, they link to the research study the result is from.  There are lots of interesting observations in the post and in the current economy we were especially interested in the Job Creation statistics:

• More than one-third of job creation is due to the entry of new businesses.
• From 1980-2005, firms less than five years old accounted for all net job growth in the United States.
• What do Microsoft, Disney, Genentech, McDonald’s, Southwest Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and Krispy Kreme all have in common?
  All were founded in recessions, depressions or bear markets.
• Seventy percent of U.S. registered voters think the health of the economy depends on the success of entrepreneurs.

To read the research supporting these conclusions, and read the other conclusions, head over to Kauffman’s research roundup on the critical role entrepreneurs play in the economy.