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How does the UK compare to the rest of the world when it comes to entrepreneurship? According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2007, 10.5% of us are involved in setting up or running our own business.

This puts us at a pretty mediocre 15 out of 23 high income countries. Iceland, Greece and Ireland top the list, with the US coming in at number 6 and Japan at number 10.

Amongst the rest of the population, 24 per cent are 'potential entrepreneurs' who feel that they have the capabilities and opportunities to start a business. But fear of failure often holds people back - 37 per cent of people say it's an issue for them.

We're developing Smarta to give practical support and advice to people at all stages of the business journey, whether they're 'thinking', 'creating' or 'growing' their business.

What else should the UK be doing to encourage more people to take the step from thinking about starting a business to actually doing it?

Find out more about Smarta in our quickfire Q&A...

What is Smarta?
The Smarta website will provide information, networking, tools and services to make it easier for people to build a successful business. It'll use the latest web2.0 and mobile technologies to make sure you can get the information you need when and where you need it.

Who is it for?
Smarta will help anyone who's running a business (however big or small), starting one up or just thinking about it. Smarta will bring people at all stages of the business journey together.

So where is it then?
Smarta is currently being developed - this blog will give you a flavour of what Smarta is about and will help us gather your views and feedback so that the Smarta site gives you exactly what you need. We promise it will be worth the wait!

When will the full site be ready?
You'll be able to start using the beta version of Smarta in summer 2008. We plan to be out of beta with the full version of Smarta up and running by Enterprise Week in November 2008.

How much will it cost?
Not a penny. Membership is free.

Who's behind Smarta?
Smarta's founder is entrepreneur Shaa Wasmund - watch this video to find out more about why she's setting up Smarta. It's backed by Vodafone and the Make Your Mark campaign and it's a social enterprise (that means that any profits go straight back into making Smarta better for you).

If you've got a question that we've not answered here then let us know in the comments or drop us a line at hello@smarta.com

Smarta is taking business support to the next level. It will use the latest web2.0 and mobile technologies to enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect with one another and get help from experienced entrepreneurs and experts - in real time.

Smarta is a Social Enterprise. It’s founded and driven by entrepreneurs and partners who passionately want to give something back to the small business community.

We’re very excited about Smarta and hope you’ll be too. We need your help to shape it - so please contribute to this blog and send us your ideas and suggestions on how we can turn Smarta into the best business resource it can possibly be.