The document discusses the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship to the US economy. It notes that small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms, employ half of private sector employees, and pay 45% of total private payroll. They have generated 60-80% of net new jobs annually over the last decade. The internet is also important for small businesses, with online retail sales in the US expected to double from $172 billion in 2005 to $329 billion in 2010. The fastest growing online product categories in 2005 included apparel, computer software, home/garden, toys/hobbies, and jewelry.