PayPal conducted research in hopes give more small businesses to digital finance and inspire both owners and policymakers in supporting growth for SMEs in the U.S. This research found that SMEs PayPal users grew from 2015-2016 by 22.9 percent. Of these, less than five percent export. Women-owned small businesses grew and export at about 72 percent.

Researchers suggest that policymakers focus on four areas: access to finance, licensing, customs and duties and digital education, to address the barriers SMEs face. According to the report, 55 million people are employed by U.S. small businesses, with 80 percent being in the service sector.