While industry giants often dominate the business headlines, more than 99% of all private employers in South Carolina are small businesses. And, now more than ever, it's imperative to support the local businesses that operate within our borders.
Small- and medium-sized firms are truly the backbone of our state's economy, employing nearly half of all South Carolinians. Last year alone, small businesses created more than 44,000 net jobs.
Recognizing the significance of these companies and sharing a vision to strengthen and grow small business development within our borders, S.C. Commerce will soon launch a new platform that will provide our business community critical resources and tools that will help boost business now and in the future. With COVID-19 impacting businesses across the board over the last few months, it's particularly timely and critical to provide helpful resources to give companies a boost. We'll have more on this new tool in the days and weeks ahead.
The entrepreneurial spirit fuels the American dream, and at the root of that vision is small business. When one company succeeds, our entire state succeeds, and we remain committed to cultivating a positive business environment in our state to ensure we meet the needs of all companies that call South Carolina home.