Abstract
For small business owners, competitors present a potentially excellent source of advice but one which many owners may view with skepticism. Drawing from the knowledge-based view and peer support frameworks, this study explores coopetition among small business entrepreneurs by examining owners' use of advice and support from both their direct and indirect competitors. Survey results from over six hundred small business owners indicate that their reliance on advice from these two types of peer competitors depends on both their perceptions of advisors’ ability to provide quality advice and whether they perceive their industry environment as more competitive or more cooperative.