‘Idaho is doing it right’: Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler visits Idaho for National Small Business Week

The visit marks the 66th annual National Small Business Week and highlights Idaho's reputation as one of the nation's top states for entrepreneurship.

"They're what lubricates the economy. They're the ones that create better jobs," Idaho Gov. Brad Little said during an event honoring local businesses.

Idaho hosts more than 160,000 small businesses, which Little described as "the backbone of Idaho's economy."

Former U.S. Senator and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler chose Idaho as her first stop on a national tour celebrating small business achievements.

"Idaho is really doing it right," Loeffler said. "These are the heartbeat of our community. They're the backbone of our country."

According to Loeffler, small businesses create two out of every three jobs nationally and represent 99% of all businesses.

"It doesn't stop at statistics," Loeffler said. "These are the hard-working Americans that make our communities work, that innovate, that drive progress for this country."