New business openings are at an all-time high, according to Yelp

New business growth is at an all-time high in the United States, according to a recent Yelp report.

More businesses were opened between January and July of 2023, in comparison to the same time frame last year, which broke pre-pandemic records. Each state in the U.S. surpassed the number of business openings in 2022, with the East Coast having a noticeable lead.   

Minority business owners have played a crucial role with new minority-owned businesses exceeding the national average. More new businesses owned by members of the LGBTQ, Black, Asian and Latinx communities have been opened from January to July of 2023 than last year, according to the report. Women-owned businesses have also seen an increase in openings.

While every business category on Yelp has experienced improvement, the hotel, travel and home services industries have seen the most growth. Impressively, the RV rental sector has increased 84% and the vacation rentals sector has increased 54%. Other notable industries experiencing growth include auto and event services.

Florida is now no. 2 in the ranking of states with the most business openings. Over 51,000 new businesses were opened, in Florida, between January and July 2023, which is a 33% increase compared to last year. Miami has been one of the leading metro areas in the country that has driven new business growth this year.

Well known for its impact on the tourism and vacation industries, Florida is home to many hotels, resorts and vacation rental properties. These industries have continuously seen growth in the state with an increase in rental homes marketed on platforms such as Airbnb and new resort development.

You May Also Like
Tampa Bay Chamber names 2025 Small Business Winners

The Tampa Bay Chamber recognized the region’s top small businesses and leaders during its 45th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards in Tampa.

Read More
Group photo of the 2025 Tampa Bay Chamber Small Business of the Year Award winners and Chamber leadership posing on stage at the Straz Center in Tampa.
USF just hit $750M in research funding; here’s why it matters

USF’s record $750 million in research funding marks a major milestone for Tampa Bay’s innovation economy.

Read More
Bar chart showing growth in the University of South Florida’s research funding from fiscal year 2022 to 2025, highlighting gains from federal, private and state sources.
Florida SNAP crisis grows as Tampa’s Metro Ministries ‘doubles down’

Florida food banks face record demand as SNAP benefits resume at half strength and families across Tampa Bay search for help.

Read More
Sign on a grocery store door reading “SNAP welcomed here,” showing that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted for food purchases.
How Microsoft’s outage could impact Tampa Bay businesses

Microsoft’s Azure outage revealed how deeply Tampa Bay’s business community relies on the cloud.

Read More
Microsoft 365 apps displayed on a smartphone screen, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive
Other Posts
Tampa to host 2029 CFP National Championship

Tampa will once again take the national stage as host of the 2029 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium.

Read More
Exterior of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with “Home of the Krewe” signage and Buccaneers branding visible on a sunny day.
Meet the Tampa firm teaching NFL players life after football

From the locker room to the boardroom, NFL players are learning what real wealth means after football.

Read More
Teal Henderson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans beside the Bones Investment Group logo.
The Tampa investor who stopped looking rich — and started living wealthy

Tampa investor Clark Lunt redefines the yardstick of success, showing young professionals how to build wealth that lasts.

Read More
Aerial view of suburban homes in Tampa Bay, showing residential streets, backyards and pools.
What’s driving Tampa Bay’s $1.2 billion tourism boom?

Tampa Bay’s $1.2 billion tourism surge reveals what’s driving the region’s fastest-growing industry.

Read More
Palm trees frame downtown Tampa’s skyline under a bright blue sky at sunset.