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NewsSuncoast SearchlightSeptember 4, 2026Sarasota County

Fact check: Small businesses account for 46% of U.S. private sector jobs

Small businesses, defined as companies with fewer than 500 employees, employ 62.3 million people, representing approximately 46% of the private sector workforce. This report clarifies the statistic following a claim by Byron Donalds that small businesses account for 90% of U.S. jobs.

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Why It Matters

Understanding the actual percentage of the workforce employed by small businesses provides context for economic policy discussions regarding business support and labor market trends.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business as a company with fewer than 500 employees.
  • Small businesses employ 62.3 million people in the United States.
  • Small businesses account for approximately 46% of private sector workers in the U.S.
  • The claim that 90% of all U.S. jobs come from small businesses is inaccurate.

Who's Mentioned

other34230“Zip code for Sarasota, FL.”organizationSuncoast Searchlight“The publisher of the fact brief.”personByron Donalds“Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate who made the claim.”organizationCommunity News Collaborative, Inc.“Nonprofit corporation behind Suncoast Searchlight.”personDonald Trump“Former President whose economic agenda was referenced.”other941“Area code for Sarasota, FL.”organizationU.S. Small Business Administration“Federal agency that defines small businesses and tracks job data.”