County Executive’s Office

Here’s a big number: firms with fewer than 100 employees account for 97.4 percent of employers in San Mateo County, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

And firms with fewer than five employees account for more than half of all businesses.  Just 31 of the 21,366 businesses in San Mateo County employ 1,000 or more people.

So today, (March 7) on National Be Heard Day, let’s support small business owners and aspiring owners who are making their voices heard. National Be Heard Day is dedicated to the 145 million small businesses in the United States as they strive to be heard in their communities.

Data from the Census Bureau shows that the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in San Mateo County. Check out the accompanying chart for number of businesses, paid employees and payroll. All information is from 2018, the latest year with available data.

Did you know the Census is more than a head count? Data collected every 10 years provides detailed information on everything from schools to businesses and helps us see how our communities have changed over time. Be sure to participate in the 2020 Census!

Learn more about the Census and how you can pledge your support!