The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce is creating a new membership category to help entrepreneurs launching small startup businesses within the county.

The Cumberland Times-News reports:

Startup businesses have unique challenges especially in the early years of their business cycle. Recognizing these needs, the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce has introduced Startup Allegany, a new membership category designed specifically for small startups with under 50 employees. With a reduced simplified dues structure for the first two years, Startup Allegany also provides startups with free advertising in Chamber newsletters, a feature in a Startup Spotlight and discounted advertising in the Chamber of Commerce Community Profile and Membership Directory in addition to the number of other benefits enjoyed by all Chamber members.

In 2012, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, there were 5.73 million employer firms in the United States. Businesses with less than 20 workers made up 89.6 percent. Add in the number of non-employer businesses — there were 23.0 million in 2013 — then the share of businesses with less than 20 workers increases to 97.9 percent. Among employer C Corporations in 2012, 86.2 percent had fewer than 20 employees.