This summary reports on the proceedings of a conference that was convened to focus attention on the implications of inadequate literacy levels among present and future employees of small businesses and to share successful approaches to the task of helping these employees develop the literacy skills required to meet ever-changing job requirements. The summary begins with the conference agenda and a fact sheet on small business in the year 2000. Next, the conference proceedings are summarized. The next section discusses small business and training in the year 2000, with particular emphasis on the impact that projected demographic changes are likely to have on small business. The conference registrants, state adult literacy contacts, and U.S. Small Business Administration Regional Advocates are listed. The next section deals with employers and the legal aspects of literacy, and the final section outlines the major statutes containing workplace literacy and job training provisions. (MN)