News Summary
Since the pandemic, NYC has experienced a remarkable boom in small businesses, with nearly 74,000 new establishments, including notable ventures like NYCakes Boutique and Bodega City. Support from local organizations and city initiatives has played a crucial role in fostering this entrepreneurial spirit, as events such as the upcoming NYC Small Business Month Expo aim to provide resources for new business owners. The landscape is evolving with creative offerings and personal touches that define new establishments, signaling a vibrant future for business in the city.
New York City has witnessed a significant surge in small business creation since the pandemic began, with 73,900 new small businesses established from January 2022 through the third quarter of 2024, according to the NYC Economic Development Corporation. Among these, 23,400 businesses, or one in eight, were started in the past calendar year, indicating a rising trend in entrepreneurship across the city.
One notable example of this growth is NYCakes Boutique, which opened its doors in Long Island City in November 2024. The boutique was founded by Martin and Gaby Miranda, who turned a personal passion into a thriving business. Their journey began nine years ago when Martin gifted Gaby a cake decorating class. Before launching the boutique, the couple operated out of rented kitchens and from their home, facing numerous challenges related to licensing and paperwork.
The Mirandas sought assistance from the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Department of Small Business Services, which helped them navigate the complex requirements for getting a lease, obtaining a certificate of authority, and achieving an ‘A’ health letter grade from the Department of Health. The couple also accessed the “Open and Online” program, which provides free services such as web design, Google Business page creation, logo creation, and search engine optimization to new small businesses.
According to the NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner, the NYC BEST team is dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs navigate the various government regulations, licenses, and permits required to open and sustain their businesses. Aspiring business owners are encouraged to utilize the MyCity Business portal to find necessary permits, legal assistance, and advertising options available to them.
The most substantial growth in small businesses is occurring along the waterfront areas of Queens and Brooklyn, predominantly in the form of sole proprietorships, with many businesses starting from home. For instance, Jeremy Batista transitioned his food truck operation into Bodega City, which opened in April 2025. This establishment offers various chopped cheese sandwiches, inspired by Batista’s mother’s bodega. Although the opening faced delays due to permit and construction issues, Batista continued operating his food truck during that time.
To enhance the nostalgic experience for his customers, Batista has incorporated a pay phone into his eatery and provides nostalgic candies. Such unique offerings contribute to the personal touch that many new businesses aim to provide as they establish their identities in the market.
Furthermore, experts encourage entrepreneurs to identify their ‘dream’ customer and thoroughly understand their needs. This foundational approach, along with having a robust support system made up of advisors and team members, is essential in navigating the challenges of starting a business. Entrepreneurs are also advised to plan for various scenarios, including best, worst, and most likely outcomes, to better prepare for the uncertainties of business ownership.
As part of the initiative to foster small business growth, city officials are actively promoting awareness of available services aimed at assisting in both launching and sustaining small businesses. The upcoming NYC Small Business Month Expo on May 29 at Center415 in Manhattan will further support entrepreneurs, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This event will serve as a valuable opportunity for budding business owners to connect with resources and information that can aid in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The post-pandemic era has demonstrated the resilience and creativity of NYC’s entrepreneurial spirit, with an influx of new businesses contributing to the local economy. As support systems and resources continue to be made available, New York City’s small business landscape is poised for even more growth and innovation in the future.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: NYC Entrepreneurs on How to Start a Business
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- CNY Central: CNY Businesses Awarded Upstate NY Small Business Owners of the Year
- Google Search: Small Business Grants for Women
- CNYBJ: Jim King, Founding Director of the New York Small Business Development Center, Dies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Airbnb News: NYC Sees Record Rents, Hotel Rates
- GlobeNewswire: Biz2Credit’s Annual Top 25 Cities for Small Business Report
- Adweek: TikTok Pledges $1M in Ad Credits to U.S. Small Businesses
