The number of businesses with no paid employees grew from more than 16.5
million in 2000 to almost 17.0 million in 2001, a rate of growth of 2.7
percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The rate of increase during
the 1999 to 2000 period was 2.3 percent.
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Download Now According to the report, Georgia led the nation in the growth of small businesses
with a 5.2 percent increase between 2000 and 2001. Comparisons of the top five
states showed Nevada slipped from first place in 2000 to second place in 2001,
with a 4.8 percent increase. New York, up 4.6 percent, ranked third in 2001.
Florida, with a 4.2 percent increase, was in fourth place and Texas, with an
increase of 3.8 percent, rounded out the top five states in nonemployer business
growth.
Nationally, these small businesses make up more than 70 percent of all
businesses. They may be run by one or more individuals, can range from
home-based businesses to corner stores or construction contractors, and
often are part-time ventures with owners operating more than one business
at a time.
Some examples of business growth are beauty salons, up 4.8 percent;
child-care providers, 4.4 percent; landscaping services, 4.2 percent;
barber shops, 3.6 percent; real estate agents, 2.0 percent; tax preparers,
1.8 percent; and electricians, 1.0 percent.
Four economic sectors accounted for almost 60 percent of nonemployer receipts
real estate and rental and leasing ($147.8 billion); construction ($112.3 billion);
professional, scientific and technical services ($91.3 billion); and retail
trade ($73.7 billion).