Using a mail questionnaire, we measured small business owners' perceptions of their proficiency levels in each of 19 important business skill areas. Our results reveal that small business owners are most deficient in an array of skills required for growing and expanding their business. They were most proficient in strategic, operational, and financial skills required to manage their firms in existing markets. Our results provide educators and service providers with information that can be used to modify or expand training programs to help meet these skill needs