For many microbusiness owners, closing one venture is not the end—it’s the beginning of something new.

According to GoDaddy’s 2024 Annual Venture Forward report, 75% of microbusiness owners who close a business don’t give up, even if their efforts didn’t yield a profit. Instead, they persist, launching new ventures. Of these, 39% become the main income for their households.

Resilience Powers Microbusinesses

Microbusiness owners are placing greater confidence in themselves. They are less swayed by uncertainty in the economy. Only 39% say they are confident in the national economy. But 74% are optimistic about their business prospects in the next six months. Even among those pessimistic about the economy, one in four plans to hire within a year. Entrepreneurs are making decisions based on business needs rather than on the economy.

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Microbusinesses, Macro Impact

Microbusinesses are a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. Many start small, with 34% beginning as side hustles, and over 70% leveraging an online presence to fuel growth.

GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research highlights that, at the county level, each entrepreneur creates an average of seven jobs – up from just two in 2020. Also, 58% of say their work helps their local community.

Progress in Equity and Representation

The face of microbusiness ownership is evolving. Women now own 51% of microbusinesses, up from 41% in 2019. nearly a third of women owners serve as household breadwinners. Black-owned businesses are also on the rise, with women driving much of the growth. Older entrepreneurs are joining the wave as well, with 19% of owners now aged 55 and older. This diversity of age, gender, and race reflects a vibrant and evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

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“Setbacks often lead to fresh starts and new opportunities,” said Alexandra Rosen, Global Head of GoDaddy Venture Forward. “These entrepreneurs are showing how perseverance can translate into profit and impact, not just for their households but for their communities.

“Microbusinesses remain essential to local economies and are the heartbeat of neighbourhoods,” Rosen added. “At GoDaddy, we’re proud to share these data-driven insights and to provide the tools and support that help these businesses succeed. Microbusinesses might be small, but they’re mighty.”