The American economic system of capitalism is unique in the industrialized world. Forms of capitalism exist in many countries, and the one general statement that applies to its usage is that capitalist countries are always more prosperous than non-capitalist states. That being stated, why is American capitalism so advanced, successful, admired and feared?

We all know that America offers the most dynamic advanced economy in the world. Brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Estee Lauder, IBM, MicroSoft, Kentucky Fried Chicken and hundreds more are badges of the amazing success of the American model in achieving worldwide prominence. Each of these enterprises were born of entrepreneurial roots, grown with care, and gracefully matured into powerful engines of profit. Other countries can proudly point to their own corporate successes (Finland and Nokia, France and Schlumberger, Chanel, Ireland and Waterford, etc.) No country, however, sports the depth and variety of colossal world brands as the United States.

So what accounts for the amazing growth and breadth of successful American enterprises in a very competitive global marketplace? And, what makes the American field of play so different and compelling as a job, profit and opportunity generator? There are many reasons that can explain parts of the template for success. However, an alpha element is that the United States system does not permanently cripple an entrepreneur who has experienced failure, even several failures.

Many successful entrepreneurs, while enjoying the fruits of their successful efforts, have also suffered the agony of failure. The American model does not insure the right to succeed, jut the right to try. This is not true in most other capitalist countries. Failure is not an option. Barriers to entry are high. Taxes, fees, regulations and restrictive covenants are almost universally more difficult than in America.

The opportunity to fail is not something that any entrepreneur initially considers as an asset. However, it must be considered that most new enterprises do not succeed. Business closings and bankruptcy is very high for new enterprises. Many entrepreneurs, having suffered the disappointment of failure, simply move on and look for a regular source of income. Real entrepreneurs will not give up. They have the genetic makeup necessary for any entrepreneur to succeed. They will keep trying.

I can attest to the difficulty of being an entrepreneur in other capitalist countries. I have started businesses in England, France, Sweden and Spain. When seeking to organize in these capitalist (to a varying degree) countries I was amazed at how difficult it was to satisfy the state. Upon reflection, exploring and experiencing the vagaries of these bureaucracies, I discovered a blunt answer for the very high real costs to enter a new business: these states use extreme hurdles to minimize the chance for failure.

Fortunately it is just the opposite here in America. Small business incubators, regional business development centers, university entrepreneurial programs and mentoring organizations encourage the attempt to create opportunity for new enterprises. The result is a wildly vigorous stream of new product, invention, service and enterprise seeking to capitalize on the American economy