Final answer:
The SBA indicates small businesses are essential for job creation, with 35% of workers employed at firms with fewer than 100 workers. The correct answer is (a) 50%, reflecting the substantial role small businesses play in the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Small Business Association (SBA) reports that small businesses create a significant number of America's new jobs. To understand the impact of small businesses on the job market, we should consider that slightly less than half of all the workers in private firms are at the 17,000 large firms, which means they employ more than 500 workers each. Moreover, another 35% of workers in the U.S. economy are at firms with fewer than 100 workers. These small-scale businesses encompass a variety of services and professions that contribute to the economy.
Thus, given the options provided (a) 50%, (b) 75%, (c) 90%, and (d) 25% - the correct answer is (a) 50%. These small businesses are indeed a critical part of the economic fabric, driving innovation and employment.