How Many Businesses Are in America: A 2025 Overview
Understanding how many businesses are in America provides insights into the country’s economic strength and diversity. Businesses—whether small local shops or massive corporations—form the backbone of the U.S. economy. But just how many businesses are in America today?
Current Business Statistics
As of 2025, there are approximately 33.2 million businesses in America, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau. These include everything from sole proprietorships and partnerships to large-scale corporations.
When people ask how many businesses are in America, they’re usually interested in the full spectrum—from mom-and-pop stores to tech giants. The good news? America remains one of the most entrepreneurial nations globally, with new ventures being launched daily.
Breakdown by Business Type
To better understand how many businesses are in America, let’s look at the breakdown by category:
| Business Type | Estimated Number (2025) |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorships | 21 million |
| Partnerships | 2 million |
| Corporations | 6 million |
| Non-employer Businesses | 27 million |
| Employer Businesses | 6.2 million |
Most people don’t realize that when they search how many businesses are in America, the total includes both employer and non-employer entities. In fact, non-employer businesses—those with no paid employees—make up a large majority.
Small vs. Large Businesses
The vast majority of U.S. companies are small businesses. About 99.9% of all U.S. businesses are small, meaning they have fewer than 500 employees. So when considering how many businesses are in America, it’s clear small business is the dominant force.
Large corporations—though smaller in number—contribute heavily to GDP and employment. Still, the question of how many businesses are in America can’t be fully understood without recognizing the sheer volume and resilience of small business ventures.
Growth Trends Over Time
If you’re wondering how many businesses are in America today compared to a decade ago, the number has steadily grown. In 2015, there were about 28 million businesses. The rise to over 33 million in 2025 shows the thriving spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
The pandemic caused many to rethink their career paths and sparked a wave of new startups. This explains the boost in the number of non-employer businesses when looking at how many businesses are in America post-COVID.
Sector-Wise Business Distribution
Understanding how many businesses are in America also requires examining which industries dominate. Here’s a quick look:
| Sector | % of Total Businesses |
|---|---|
| Professional Services | 14% |
| Retail Trade | 12% |
| Construction | 11% |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 10% |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 9% |
The wide spread of industries contributes to the complexity of answering how many businesses are in America accurately, but this diversity is also a key strength.
State-Wise Distribution
California, Texas, Florida, and New York lead in the number of registered businesses. When asking how many businesses are in America, it’s important to note that these states account for a significant percentage of the national total.
What Drives the Numbers?
Several factors influence how many businesses are in America:
- Economic climate
- Access to capital
- Technological advancements
- Regulatory environment
As these factors evolve, the number of businesses continues to rise or fall accordingly. In 2025, supportive tech platforms and increased remote work have spurred even more startups and freelancers.
FAQs About How Many Businesses Are in America
Q1. How many businesses are in America in 2025?
There are approximately 33.2 million businesses in America as of 2025.
Q2. Does this include both small and large businesses?
Yes, when we ask how many businesses are in America, that includes both small and large businesses.
Q3. Are non-employer businesses included?
Absolutely. Non-employer businesses make up over 80% of the total when looking at how many businesses are in America.
Q4. What industries have the most businesses in the U.S.?
Professional services, retail trade, and construction lead the count.
Q5. How many new businesses are started annually in America?
On average, 4 to 5 million new businesses are started each year.
Q6. What percentage of U.S. businesses are small businesses?
Roughly 99.9% of U.S. businesses are considered small.
Q7. Has the number of businesses in America increased over the years?
Yes. The number has grown steadily, especially post-2020.
Q8. Which states have the most businesses?
California, Texas, Florida, and New York top the list.
Q9. How many employer businesses exist in America?
About 6.2 million businesses in America have at least one paid employee.
Q10. Why is it important to know how many businesses are in America?
It reflects the economic activity, entrepreneurship trends, and job creation potential.
In conclusion, answering how many businesses are in America is more than just quoting a number—it’s about understanding the economy’s structure, its people, and its innovation. As of 2025, the U.S. continues to prove that it is a land of opportunity, with over 33 million businesses fueling its dynamic economy.
