Small Business Boom in New York City Post-Pandemic

News Summary

New York City is experiencing a significant surge in small business creations, with 73,900 new ventures established since January 2022. Key growth areas include waterfront neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn. Local entrepreneurs are leveraging support from organizations to navigate licensing and funding processes. Notable businesses like NYCakes Boutique and Bodega City have emerged, showcasing resilience and innovation among NYC’s local entrepreneurs. Events such as the Small Business Month Expo and USPS initiatives further support this growing trend, despite challenges posed by new regulations.

New York City is witnessing a remarkable rise in the establishment of small businesses in the aftermath of the pandemic, according to recent data. From January 2022 to the third quarter of 2024, a total of 73,900 new small businesses have been created, with 23,400 of these formed in the last calendar year alone. This trend signals a robust recovery and a shift toward local entrepreneurship in the city.

The surge in business creation is particularly noteworthy in waterfront areas of Queens and Brooklyn, where new enterprises are predominantly sole proprietorships operated from home. This shift reflects a growing trend toward individual business ventures as many residents adapt to the evolving economic landscape.

New small businesses are not only improving the local economy; they also signify the resilience of New Yorkers during challenging times. Entrepreneurs like Martin Miranda and his wife have taken advantage of the resources provided by local organizations to establish their businesses. The couple opened NYCakes Boutique in Long Island City in November 2024, drawing inspiration from a cake decorating class that Miranda gifted to his wife nine years prior. Before setting up their showroom, the Mirandas operated out of rented kitchens and even their home. They benefited from support provided by the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Department of Small Business Services to navigate the challenging process of licensing and paperwork.

NYCakes Boutique offers cake tastings by appointment and specializes in creating cakes for special occasions. As part of their commitment to establishing a professional online presence, the Mirandas utilized the Open and Online program, which provided complimentary web design services, a Google Business page, logo creation, and search engine optimization.

Furthermore, the NYC Department of Small Business Services offers various resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, including a free hotline (888-SBS-4NYC) where individuals can obtain guidance on permits and advertising strategies. These initiatives aim to foster a supportive environment for small business creation and growth.

Another entrepreneur, Jeremy Batista, successfully transitioned his food truck, Bodega City, into a brick-and-mortar restaurant after a lengthy process hindered by permit delays, construction hurdles, and electrical issues. Bodega City opened in April 2025 inside the Ogden Market Center, close to Yankee Stadium, and features an enticing menu with nine varieties of chopped cheese sandwiches. Batista draws on nostalgic elements from his childhood, including ’90s candies and a working payphone, to create a unique dining atmosphere.

In addition to individual stories, there are broader events geared towards bolstering small business growth, including a free Small Business Month Expo scheduled for May 29 at Center415 in Manhattan. This event aims to connect local business owners with vital resources, networking opportunities, and practical knowledge.

The United States Postal Service is also proactively supporting small businesses with a planned event in Uniondale on May 20. This gathering is intended to provide shipping and marketing solutions, emphasizing the USPS’s commitment to assisting local entrepreneurs with economic shipping options and various mailing innovations. As a self-financing federal establishment, USPS offers services specifically designed to enhance the functionality and reach of small businesses.

However, challenges remain for small business owners. A lawsuit has been filed against the New York Department of Environmental Conservation concerning recently enacted regulations deemed burdensome to small enterprises. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) alleges that the DEC did not follow proper protocols in implementing new freshwater wetlands regulations, which they argue are ambiguous and potentially unlawful.

As New York City navigates through its post-pandemic recovery, the continued growth of small businesses serves as a testament to the spirit and resilience of its residents. With a concerted effort from local organizations and government agencies, the landscape for aspiring entrepreneurs is becoming increasingly favorable, paving the way for a new generation of local businesses.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• USPS Event Supporting Small Businesses
• Google Search: Small Business Resources
• CBS News: How to Start a Business
• Wikipedia: Small Business
• NFIB: New York Small Businesses Challenge Regulations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneur