How many businesses were operating in the United States at the end of 2008?

The number of businesses operating in the United States at the end of 2008 was approximately 27.2 million. This figure reflects the significant entrepreneurial activity and economic landscape of the U.S. during that time, just before the onset of the financial crisis which began in late 2007 and intensified in 2008. Understanding the scale of business operations is crucial for comprehending the overall economy, as it highlights the role of small businesses, which make up the majority of these establishments. This context also indicates how businesses contribute to job creation and economic stability, factors that are vital for economic analysis and policy-making. The other options either misrepresent the total number of businesses or offer a vague percentage that does not provide a specific figure relevant to the question asked.