36.2M
Small businesses in the United States
The SBA Office of Advocacy reports 36.2 million small businesses in the U.S. in its 2025 profile.
U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 2025Cashcow Financial Services research
Small business funding statistics
Current U.S. figures on small-business scale, funding demand, and financing outcomes. Last updated October 22, 2026.
Jump to sourcesA practical reference
Funding is a real operating decision.
These figures provide useful context for owners weighing a financing conversation. They describe survey results and national data, not an approval standard, rate, or promise of funding.
45.9%
Share of U.S. employees at small businesses
The SBA’s 2025 U.S. profile places 62.3 million employees at small businesses, representing 45.9% of U.S. employees.
U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 202560%
Employer firms that sought financing
In the Federal Reserve’s 2025 survey report, 60% of employer firms applied for financing in the prior 12 months.
Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report42%
Applicants receiving the full amount sought
The same survey found 42% of financing applicants received all the financing they sought, while 36% received some or most and 22% received none.
Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report38%
Firms applying for a loan, line, or cash advance
Thirty-eight percent of employer firms applied for a loan, line of credit, or merchant cash advance in the prior 12 months.
Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report56%
Applicants seeking help with operating expenses
Among firms seeking financing, meeting operating expenses was the most common reason, reported by 56%; 46% sought financing for expansion or a new opportunity.
Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 reportWhat the figures show
Preparation still matters.
The Federal Reserve survey shows that financing is common, but receiving the full amount requested is far from automatic. For a business owner, that makes a clear use of funds, realistic request amount, current financial records, and a close reading of repayment terms worth the time.
Cashcow Financial Services is an independent affiliate broker. Providers set program availability, underwriting, pricing, terms, and final approval decisions. If you are preparing to explore a funding path, start with the business funding overview or review how the process works.
Methodology and sources
How to cite this page
This page compiles the latest available national small-business figures from named primary sources. Statistics retain the date and scope supplied by each source. Check the linked source for its survey design, definitions, and full tables.
Cashcow Financial Services. “Small Business Funding Statistics.” Updated October 22, 2026. https://cashcowfinancialservices.net/small-business-funding-statistics
- U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 2025
- U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 2025
- Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report
- Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report
- Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report
- Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, 2026 report