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The Rise of Small Businesses in NYC

Nicolette Restrepo New York City, New York


New York City is a busy city and a breeding ground for small businesses (Alex Hanley from Unsplash)
New York City is a busy city and a breeding ground for small businesses (Alex Hanley from Unsplash)

New York City, a global hub for fashion, arts, media, and finance, is also a unique breeding ground for small businesses. If you're considering starting or discovering a small business that resonates with your passions or needs, the Big Apple is the ideal place for just that. Its small businesses, each with their own unique stories and offerings, are a testament to the city's entrepreneurial spirit.


New York City is currently home to 183,000 small businesses, many of which are not only surviving, but flourishing. In addition to this, entrepreneurship throughout New York City continues to grow every day. That said, New York's small businesses have not been shielded from gentrification and decreased demand after the pandemic. Most small businesses are still recovering from the lack of success and lack of fast-pace they had become acclimated to. 


As of 2022, small businesses (businesses with less than 100 employees) represent 98 percent of all firms in New York State, with the city alone employing over half a million residents in micro-businesses (20 employees or less). Small businesses throughout the city notably aid economic mobility for countless working-class individuals. These small businesses provide local job opportunities, fostering a better community. The unfortunate thing about these small businesses is that only around 45% survive, often struggling with visibility and competition. Therefore, this leaves many unemployed and searching for a new job. Small businesses across the city mainly fail to survive because they need more publicity and buzz to succeed. 


So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the West Village or strolling the Upper East Side, consider stepping into a cozy café or a charming mom-and-pop pizza place. Your visit could make a significant difference, helping a small business thrive more than you might realize. By supporting these businesses, you're not just exploring and enjoying their unique offerings but also contributing to the growth of New York City's dazzlingly diverse array of small businesses.


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