Small Business

National data, local indicators and informal measures of the economy all play a role.

Rita Magalde of Sheer Ambrosia is preparing to bake baklava in a Salt Lake City space.

Annie Lang Hartman, owner of stationery and gift store Wild Lettie, is hoping for a steadier flow of shoppers through the busy season.

"I started out with just my backpack, and a boat that I bought for $2,000, and a dinghy and a hammer," said broker Emily Greenberg.

Ali Cat Toys is doing the bulk of its holiday buying now, and even stocking up for next Easter season.

Eric Vaughn, owner of a custom frame shop in Detroit, has been working with a two-person crew but might need a new hire for the fall.

The owners of Growing Groves Plant Shop in Davis, California, are sleeping better after a year in business.

Venita Cooper, owner of Silhouette Sneakers & Art, recently released an apparel line inspired by the Tulsa Fast Breakers.

Roughly 11% of immigrant women are entrepreneurs, according to the American Immigration Council.

A lot of people started new businesses after the onset of the pandemic. That number has stayed high, in part because many businesses are popping up outside of traditional downtown urban cores.