A significant majority of Americans believe that it will be small businesses and not government that will lead the nation out of recession. But when it comes to becoming an entrepreneur, two-thirds of Americans believe it is easier to climb Mt. Everest than to start a small business in America today, according to a survey by Wakefield Research, which was sponsored by Alibaba.com, the world’s largest e-commerce platform dedicated to helping small businesses growth and prosper.

According to the survey, more than 70 percent of Americans think small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government, but only one in 10 respondents have taken this responsibility into their own hands and started a business since the start of the economic downturn. Two-thirds of Americans think the federal government has been ineffective in creating jobs for Americans in the past year and their outlook for the next year isn’t any better; only 7 percent are very confident the government will create a significant amount of jobs in that timeframe.

The survey also uncovered mixed messages toward small business growth and development. While eight of 10 respondents said they would be impressed if they learned a company they were using had been started during the recession, more than 60 percent of college parents would rather their graduate take a job they didn’t like than start a business right away. In addition to a national average, the survey also includes specific data points for Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City.

“For Alibaba.com, 2010 is the year of service and we want to do everything we can to help small businesses grow and to create jobs around the world,” said David Wei, chief executive officer, Alibaba.com. “Historically, recessions have proven very fruitful times to start small businesses. As the data shows, Americans strongly believe that small businesses will be what turns around the economy. Alibaba.com plans to provide American entrepreneurs and small businesses the tools needed to succeed in global trade, as exporters and importers, in order to achieve their dreams and reach their business goals.”