How so? Sheer numbers, for one. In 2006, the latest year for which data is available, there were about 7.6 million businesses in the U.S., and 81 percent were small businesses, with 100 employees or fewer.

Or, consider job creation. Firms with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 64 percent (or 14.5 million) of the 22.5 million net new jobs (gains minus losses) between 1993 and the third quarter of 2008. In every recession over the last three decades, businesses with fewer than 100 employees led the recovery.

This time around, small businesses face even bigger challenges. But some things remain the same. Their work moves fast. They need to stay focused on their customers. They must watch their finances. And when it comes to furnishing their offices, they need to buy it, love it, and get on with their work.

The Herman Miller S3 program is designed to do just that. It moves fast. It makes the process easy and affordable. And, with our local dealer presence, it gives small business owners as much guidance as they need. Which, when you think of it, is much better than a hug.