Starting a small business can give graduates the opportunity to contribute to jobs growth while also providing a resilient career during times of economic turbulence.

According to figures from the ADP National Employment Report, US companies with fewer than 50 employees generated a total of 61,000 new jobs during May, compared to a fall of 18,000 jobs for large firms and a decline of 3,000 posts among medium-sized enterprises.

The number of jobs generated by small businesses was up on the previous month, when 43,000 new positions were created.

Macroeconomic Advisers chairman Joel Prakken said the continued rise in employment generated by these firms demonstrated the "resiliency" of small companies during an economic downturn.

According to statistics from the US House of Representatives' small business committee, small companies produce between 60% and 80% of all new jobs in the US.

Overall, small businesses make up 99 per cent of all American employers, accounting for 51% of private sector jobs and 40% of positions in high-tech industries.