How Many Businesses Are in the United States? A 2025 Insight

Understanding how many businesses are in the United States provides a window into the country’s economic vitality, employment trends, and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2025, the U.S. remains one of the most business-driven countries globally, with a wide range of companies—from startups to large corporations—contributing to economic growth.

Current Statistics: How Many Businesses Are in the United States?

According to the latest data from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Census Bureau, how many businesses are in the United States currently hovers around 33.2 million. This number includes both employer and nonemployer businesses. Nonemployer businesses are those operated by self-employed individuals without any paid employees.

Out of these, roughly 6.1 million are employer businesses, while the remaining 27.1 million are nonemployers, reflecting the rise in freelancing, gig economy jobs, and solopreneur ventures.

Small Businesses Dominate

When we ask how many businesses are in the United States, it’s essential to note that over 99% of them are classified as small businesses. These businesses employ fewer than 500 people and form the backbone of local economies across all 50 states.

Sector Breakdown

Exploring how many businesses are in the United States also leads to a look at industry distribution:

• Professional services: Over 4 million
• Retail trade: Around 3.7 million
• Construction: Close to 3.5 million
• Health care and social assistance: 2.8 million+
• Accommodation and food services: 1 million+

These figures show that entrepreneurship spans nearly every sector, indicating a highly diversified business landscape.

Growth Trends

The question how many businesses are in the United States is dynamic, not static. In recent years, there’s been an uptick in business formations, especially during and after the pandemic. The U.S. has seen record numbers of new business applications. In 2024 alone, over 5 million new business applications were submitted—one of the highest on record.

Geographic Distribution

As you explore how many businesses are in the United States, location matters. States like California, Texas, Florida, and New York consistently top the list in terms of business count. California alone is home to more than 4 million businesses, making it the leading state for entrepreneurship.

Business Type Overview

Understanding how many businesses are in the United States also means understanding their structure:

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

Sole proprietorships are the most common form, especially among nonemployer businesses.

Challenges Faced

While answering how many businesses are in the United States, it’s also worth noting the challenges many face: inflation, rising labor costs, competition, and regulatory burdens. Despite these issues, the entrepreneurial spirit in America remains strong.

FAQs About How Many Businesses Are in the United States

1. How many businesses are in the United States in 2025?
As of 2025, there are approximately 33.2 million businesses in the United States.

2. How many small businesses are in the United States?
More than 32 million businesses in the U.S. are classified as small businesses.

3. How many large businesses exist in the United States?
Roughly 20,000 businesses employ over 500 people and are considered large businesses.

4. Has the number of U.S. businesses increased in recent years?
Yes, the number has steadily increased due to more people pursuing entrepreneurship and remote work.

5. Which state has the most businesses in the United States?
California leads with over 4 million registered businesses.

6. How many businesses are in the United States without employees?
About 27.1 million businesses operate without employees.

7. What sectors have the highest number of businesses in the U.S.?
Professional services, retail, construction, and healthcare lead in business count.

8. Are all registered businesses active in the U.S.?
Not necessarily. Some are inactive or only operate seasonally.

9. How is the data on how many businesses are in the United States collected?
Government agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and SBA conduct annual surveys and maintain databases.

10. How many businesses are in the United States owned by women?
Women own about 12 million businesses, accounting for over 35% of total businesses.

11. How many businesses are in the United States started in 2024?
Over 5 million new business applications were filed in 2024.

12. Why is it important to know how many businesses are in the United States?
It helps policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs gauge the health and trends of the economy.

In conclusion, knowing how many businesses are in the United States isn’t just a number—it reflects innovation, risk-taking, and economic resilience. Whether you’re a potential business owner or just curious, these figures offer a compelling look into America’s entrepreneurial engine.