Small companies are more selective because hiring is an investment that has immediate effect on the bottom line. If not talking to the owner, ask what the interviewer thinks of the person for whom they work. Ask if the company experienced a layoff. Ask about the vision of the organization. Ask about service delivery, new products, technology for staff use to get the job accomplished.
Most small companies operate quietly.
Finding out about these smaller companies takes time and ingenuity. Begin by researching companies that match your areas of interest, such as geographical limitation, employee size of the company, and interest in the industry of the business. This will make your potential employer list manageable and targeted to you personally. A good number to start your research with is 15 - 20 companies. City directories, local Economic Development office, etc.