"According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 99.9% of businesses in the United States are small businesses, which are defined as independent busi

"According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 99.9% of businesses in the United States are small businesses, which are defined as independent businesses with fewer than 500 employees. This amounts to around 33.3 million businesses, which employ 61.7 million Americans, or 46.4% of private sector employees. Small businesses are a vital part of the American economy, contributing to economic stability and representing 43.5% of the country's GDP. Here are some other statistics about small businesses in the United States: 84.8% of businesses in rural areas are small businesses 43.2% of small businesses are owned by women 20% of employer businesses are owned by minorities Small businesses account for about 96% of employer firms in high-patenting manufacturing industries