WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Office of Advocacy in the U.S. Small Business Administration released its Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business 2026, which gathers the most up-to-date statistics about American small businesses in one place.
As of February 2026:
- 99.9% of businesses are small.
- There are 36,207,130 small businesses in the United States.
- U.S. small businesses employ 62.3 million people, 45.9% of private sector workers.
- Economic activity from small businesses makes up 43.5% of GDP.
- Small businesses pay 38.7% of total private-sector payroll.
“Small businesses are the backbone of communities across the country, and sound policymaking starts with clear, current data,” said Chief Counsel Casey B. Mulligan. “The updated fact sheet gives Congress and the public a grounded look at the realities facing small businesses today so that regulations can be informed by facts, not assumptions.”
PRESS RELEASE
SBA No. 26-03 ADV
MORE INFO:
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business 2026
CONTACT(S):
Chandler Baxter
Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.