What is a Small Business?

The majority of U.S. businesses have fewer than five employees. Learn more in this America Counts story.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers What is a Small Business? Small businesses are often hailed as a vital segment of our national and local economies and a primary driver of U.S. financial growth. But just what is a small business? Read More Is it based on a company's number of employees or sales? Is it defined by the size of individual business locations ("establishment") or the size of the company ("firm") that owns those locations? No matter how we define "small businesses," there's no question they drive economic growth and are created the way most businesses are: as small start-ups. Continue reading to learn more about: Firm and establishment size Differences by sector Sales, shipment or revenue Other definitions of a "small business" Help us spread the word about America Counts. Share this story on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This You May Be Interested New Small Business Pulse Survey Shows Breadth of COVID-19 Impact on Businesses: The U.S. Census Bureau's Small Business Pulse Survey yields near real-time economic data on businesses during the pandemic. Learn More About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, economy, emergency preparedness, health, population, income and poverty. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews. Don't miss an America Counts story! Subscribe here.

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