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NewsSuncoast SearchlightSeptember 4, 2026Manatee

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

Small businesses employ 62.3 million people in the U.S., representing approximately 46% of the private sector workforce rather than the 90% figure cited by political candidates. The U.S. Small Business Administration defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 employees.

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Why It Matters

Understanding the actual share of employment provided by small businesses clarifies the scale of their contribution to the national economy compared to larger corporations.

Key Facts

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

Who's Mentioned

other34230“Zip code for the publisher's address.”organizationCommunity News Collaborative, Inc.“The nonprofit corporation behind Suncoast Searchlight.”other941“Area code for the publisher's phone number.”personByron Donalds“Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate who made the claim.”organizationU.S. Small Business Administration“Federal agency that defines small businesses and tracks job data.”organizationSuncoast Searchlight“The publisher of the fact brief.”personDonald Trump“President whose economic agenda was referenced.”other500“Employee threshold for the SBA definition of a small business.”