The overall economic outlook may be grim, but according to a new report, small business is providing a much-needed employment boost. The ADP National Employment Report  highlights the 55,000 new jobs created in March by companies with less than 50 employees. Compare that statistic to February, when only 16,000 new jobs were reportedly created by small business.

Among medium-size businesses (with between 50 and 499 workers), employment increased by 5,000, while large businesses with 500 or more workers saw employment decline by 52,000.

"This apparent reacceleration of employment among small-size business contrasts with employment declines among larger firms, and is consistent with the stronger growth and resiliency these businesses have demonstrated over the past several years," says Joel Prakken, chairman of Macroeconomic Advisers.

The report, created by ADP Employer Services in partnership with Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC, found that within the small-business category, the goods-producing sector lost about 8,000 jobs while the service-providing sector gained about 63,000 jobs.

To learn more about this report and to view historical data, check out this website.

In coordination with National Small Business Week, April 21 to 25, the SBA launched a new website that will include detailed information, event schedules, highlights and multimedia content. User-friendly, interactive features include uploadable event photos, real-time updates and a blog.

“[The website] represents a new platform for how the agency can engage in a dialogue with small businesses online,” says Anoop Prakash, SBA associate administrator for entrepreneurial development. Following National Small Business Week, the site will provide upcoming events and resources for community members and small business owners. --Lindsay Holloway