The Census Bureau recently reported that over 98.3% of all businesses employ fewer than 100 people. Also important to know, 90% of all American businesses are family-owned or controlled, and they generate more than half of our annual gross national product. So small business is actually…big!
In other words, big business isn’t running this country! But for some reason we tend to think it does. We see how much they screw things up, and we believe they are the ones in control. We believe if they don’t get their act together, this country will collapse. And while their mistakes can have a major impact, the truth is, small business runs more of America. It’s the mom and pop shops that are making it happen.
Small business has played a huge role in the success of our nation. In fact, most big businesses started out in someone’s garage somewhere. So if you’re a small business owner or leader, and you think you don’t matter in the grand scheme of things, think again. If you’re a person working at one of those mom and pops and you think what you do doesn’t impact the nation, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Just the mere act of participating in commerce has an effect.
It kinda changes the way you think about who can make change in America. Hahaha – and I don’t just mean at the cash register.
Way to go small business owners! You are also the most generous people in the world! If it wasn’t for you so many not-for-profits would struggle financially! Thanks for being BIG givers too! Successful and generous-deadly combo.