If Failure Is Normal, How Do Workers Fare?
While many workers enjoy being employed by small businesses, job security can often be an issue. According to the Small Business Administration only about half of new companies survive at least four years. Workers in a small company that goes under may also find that they are not covered by certain federal employment laws.
See "If Failure Is Normal, How Do Workers Fare?", Vivian Marino, The New York Times, September 20, 2004