Mom and pop stores

When politicians sing the virtues of small business, I think they want us to think about mom and pop grocery stores, Lou's barber shop, Bubba's coon dog kennel, and Maria's maid service. That aint' exactly what the Small Business Administration thinks of, however:

• A "small" manufacturing business can have up to 1500 employees.
• A "small" wholesaler can have up to 500 employees.
• A "small" service business can have revenue of up to $21.5 million.
• A "small" retailer can have revenue of up to $20 million.
• A "small" general contractor can have revenue of up to $17 million.