Research shows that the time is right for targeting small businesses and small business owners. There are currently over 25 million small businesses in operation in the United States that contribute more than $17.9 billion in sales each year to the economy. Some facts on small businesses should make marketers stand up and take notice. According to the United States Small Business Administration, small businesses provide 75% of the net new jobs added to the economy; represent 99.7% of all employers; employ 50.1% of the private workforce; provide 40.9% of private sales in the country; and represent 97% of all US importers, making small businesses and small business owners a prime target for marketers and direct marketing.