Across America, there are more than 250,000 service members transitioning out of our military and looking to start their own businesses.
America’s 28 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating two out of every three net new jobs and employing half of America’s workforce. From mom-and-pop stores and restaurants, to high-tech startups and productive manufacturers, small businesses are helping to drive the Washington economy and create jobs in our local communities.
There are currently 23 million self-employed entrepreneurs in United States and that number continues to rise, especially here in Washington. These innovative entrepreneurs reflect a diverse array of professions and businesses that are helping to drive our economy – from consultants and IT specialists to painters and roofers.
For two years in a row the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has helped to put more than $30 billion into the hands of small business owners across the country.
To help our nation recover from the biggest recession since the Great Depression, the U.S. Small Business Administration stepped in and supported more than $79 billion to more than 150,000 small businesses since 2009.
To recognize the enormous contributions of these businesses, each year the U.S. Small Business Administration hosts National Small Business Week. It is an opportunity to pause and pay tribute to the men and women who are starting and growing companies that are transforming their industries.
Many small businesses don’t realize that 17 small business tax cuts have already been signed into law and an additional five small business tax cuts are proposed for 2013. These tax cuts are available to all types of small businesses, from main street shops to high growth startups.
