While I'm sure your point is valid, how much of it is tainted by the fact that mom-and-pop startups simply aren't the sort that gets sexy coverage? Exactly how

While I'm sure your point is valid, how much of it is tainted by the fact that mom-and-pop startups simply aren't the sort that gets sexy coverage? Exactly how many regionally-locked businesses were actually dependent on these government business aid programs for their initial creation? And how many of them continue to thrive? I rather suspect the tech industry may be somewhat self-absorbed in its own successes. Just because we managed to pull it off without government aid, for the most part, doesn't mean that our success stories are the norm. Besides, pushing a lawnmower through the red tape's quite a bit of help on its own.