Represent 97.8 Percent Of The State's Businesses, Employ 1,549,208

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Small business continues to drive Georgia's economy, according to a report issued today by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Newly released data show that in 2005, small businesses represented 97.8 percent of the state's employer businesses.  Data also show that they employed 1,549,208 or 45.7 percent of the non-farm private sector workforce. 

"Clearly small business is a major part of “Georgia's economy,” said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy.  "Small businesses innovate and create new jobs at a faster rate than their larger competitors.  They are nimble, creative, and a vital part of every community across the state.  This report will help remind policymakers and others of the important role small business plays in Georgia."

The State Small Business Profiles uses the latest federal government statistics to detail small business' contribution to the economy of the states, District of Columbia, the nation, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories.  Small Business Profiles from 2002 to present may be found at www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/.

Citing a variety of sources, the annually updated data documents the number and type of businesses, ownership demographics including minority and women-owned statistics, employment and financing data, and other business information.

The Office of Advocacy, the "small business watchdog" of the government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to state policymakers, federal agencies, Congress, and the President.  It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats and it funds research into small business issues.  

For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.

The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government.  The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers.  For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.