Small Businesses

Small businesses play a vital role in this country and in our state. They are the backbone of
our nation’s economy, and Idaho depends on the innovative work of entrepreneurs to create
jobs, develop new products and services, and spur our state on toward growth and
prosperity. It’s the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to push our nation along at the
cutting edge of technology and creativity.

One only has to glance at the statistics to see the phenomenal impact that entrepreneurs and
small employers have on our economy. For example, small businesses employ half of all
private sector workers in this country, creating between 60 and 80 percent of the new jobs in
our economy over the past decade, and they make up 97 percent of all U.S. exporters. These
trends continue, with more than 500,000 new small businesses starting up every year. In
addition, between 1997 and 2004 Idaho ranked fourth in the nation in the growth of
women-owned businesses.

I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these small businesses. During my time in Congress I have
had the opportunity to meet and work with many pioneering, business-savvy men and
women who are working hard to see their businesses and communities prosper. These
dynamic people push the limits of innovation and technology. The entrepreneurial spirit isa
key component of the American Dream, and I’m committed to seeing that Idaho’s small
businesses are able to thrive.

Idaho is one of the most business-friendly places in our country, and I am committed to
seeing that Idaho entrepreneurs and the businesses they build are given every opportunity to
succeed. In our rapidly changing world economy, it’s vital that we make America a
competitive place for innovative entrepreneurs to operate.


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