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America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers
Census Bureau Data Tell the Small Business Story
The smallest possible businesses, nonemployer establishments (those with no paid employees), accounted for 78.4% of all U.S. establishments in 2023, and brought in nearly $1.8 trillion in revenue that year — proof of the power of small business in America’s economy.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a small business as an independent business with fewer than 500 employees and has celebrated Small Business Week every May since 1963 to recognize U.S. entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The U.S. Census Bureau plays a part too, tracking key data points and resources to provide a rich profile of the nation’s small businesses.
The SBA is set to host events across the country during Small Business Week – May 3 to May 9, 2026 – including a free virtual summit for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, and in-person sessions on a variety of business topics. Additionally, a recently recorded Census webinar on Creating a Data-Driven Business Plan is available on demand here.
The Census Bureau publishes a variety of data and resources about the nation’s small businesses.
Continue reading to learn more about:
- The nation's small business landscape
- Women-owned employer businesses
- Census Bureau resources for starting or expanding a business
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