By SUE ROBINSON
Courier-Post Staff

They come to their business advisers brimming with enthusiasm, for they have an idea - the idea - the one that will make them rich in money, rich in satisfaction, perhaps both.

About half of them won't make it past the first year, and 95 percent will close their doors within the first five years, according to federal statistics. And yet, the possibility exists that these entrepreneurs will succeed, become another Bill Gates.

"Our numbers in New Jersey are higher than they ever have been in terms of the people who seek advice on starting a business," said Marvin Solomon, an entrepreneur counselor in the Newark chapter of SCORE, which is a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Part of the increase in business start-ups certainly has to do with the economy and the numbers of laid-off workers who are determined they can do just as well on their own. Some of these are new business people who have spent years in their industry and become disenchanted with business as usual, Solomon said.

Solomon tests their resolve first.

"We start with the psychological," Solomon said. "Do you have the necessary passion, perseverance and personality to make this happen?"

Frank Keith, executive director of the Small Business Incubator at Rutgers-Camden, quizzes clients on financial resources.

"The biggest mistake they make is underestimating how long and how much money will be required to execute their plan," Keith said.

Entrepreneurs need at least $6,000 to begin a solo venture, $20,000 for a team-based venture, according to the Small Business Administration. It will take 18 months on average to start making a profit.

Dr. Jo Anne White, a career transition counselor in Cherry Hill, tells entrepreneurs to expect a life-altering experience in opening a new business.

"They are moving from something that is comfortable and secure into a whole other area," White said.

Between 1999 and 2000, some 54,800 jobs were added by brand-new New Jersey businesses, according to the Small Business Administration. The possibilities: Thirteen percent of solo entrepreneurs expect to earn more than $500,000 by their fifth year, according to the SBA.

But how to get there?

Today the Courier-Post debuts an occasional series, "We're in Business," which will chronicle South Jersey entrepreneurs' journeys through their first obstacles.