A growing trend, an underserved market, and a solution borne of the credit union idea

Don’t let the name fool you—small businesses are no small part of the American economy. These organizations—28.8 million of them, according to the Small Business Administration—account for 48% of all employees in the private workforce.

To recognize entrepreneurs and the impact they have on the heartbeat of our economy, we join millions of Americans celebrating National Small Business Week in May.

And as we honor the large economic contributions of our nation’s small business community, it’s worth noting a growing trend in its development. More often now than in the past, small business owners are minorities. In fact, from 2007 to 2012 the number of U.S. small businesses owned by minorities has increased by 38.1% while those owned by non-minorities has decreased by 5.5%.

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