We all hear the gloom-and-doom news on a daily basis about the economic downturn, but here’s some good news to take to the bank: A majority of Americans still believe in small business. In fact, most Americans believe small business owners are more likely to rescue our economy than any government, nonprofit or corporate institution.

In a recent poll sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation, 70 percent of registered voters surveyed said that the health of the economy rests on the success of entrepreneurs; and more than 60 percent said they had more faith in small business owners to guide the U.S. economy than congressional leaders or Fortune 500 CEOs. Of course, the only downside to the survey was that more Americans expressed reluctance to start a business right now. Though more than half of the survey’s respondents reported seeing opportunities for starting a business, only a quarter said they would actually consider it in the next five years.

What role do small businesses owners really play in the economy and how can they save us from the current economic crisis? Check out this commentary by Kauffman Foundation president Carl J. Schramm, who outlines the answers to these questions in an in-depth analysis on CNN.com.