We do not underestimate the importance of small business in our communities and the local economy.

In fact, small business represents –

• 99.7% of all U.S. employers
• 50.0% of all private sector workers
• 44.3% of total U.S. private payroll
• 53.0% of all retail sales
• 97.0% of all U.S. exports
• 13-14 times more patents per employee than large firms.

Small business is the backbone of our economy. Unfortunately, nearly 50% of new businesses will fail within the first 5 years; primarily due to poor planning and lack of reliable financial information.