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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 90% of U.S. jobs originate from small businesses.

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Why It Matters

Understanding the actual contribution of small businesses to the national workforce provides context for economic policy discussions regarding business regulation and labor.

Key Facts

  • Small businesses are defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration as companies with fewer than 500 employees.
  • Small businesses employ 62.3 million people in the United States.
  • Small businesses account for nearly 46% of private sector workers in the U.S.
  • The claim that 90% of U.S. jobs come from small businesses is inaccurate.

Who's Mentioned

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.”organizationU.S. Small Business Administration“Federal agency that defines small businesses and tracks job data.”