Fewer jobs were created during the most recent recession than in previous economic downturns, party due to a lack of hiring among small businesses, CNNMoney.com reported.

From 2006 to 2009, the job creation rate among firms of all ages fell by 25 percent, according to a new report from Kauffman Foundation. Start-up companies, however, saw job creation shrink by 34 percent between 2006 and 2009, a more drastic drop than the sector experienced during previous downturns.

Though more than 14 million private-sector jobs were created in the 12 months ended March 2009, Kauffman found that from March 2008 to March 2009, the rate of job creation among all types of firms hit a 29-year low.

“It’s heartening to know that, despite the economic obstacles, entrepreneurs were still finding ways to create jobs, though fewer than in past recessions,” said Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation.