Number of Small Businesses

What does this indicator mean?

Number of businesses meeting the local definition of “small” (e.g., < 100 employees)

To measure the positive impact that increasing multi-modal (walk, bike, and transit) access to retail, business, and commercial areas can have on the number and variety of small businesses.
To measure the positive impact that increasing multi-modal (walk, bike, and transit) access to essential workers provides to small businesses.
To identify neighborhoods for growth and innovation.
To support resilient economic development based on a mix of business types and sizes.

Work with local agencies or neighborhood associations to collect data about the distribution, sizes, and types of businesses within a particular area.
Develop training programs to help women, immigrants, entrepreneurs of color, and entrepreneurs with low-to-moderate incomes become small business owners and community leaders.
Address zoning that erects barriers limiting where small businesses can locate or favors strip malls and large-format development not suitable for small businesses.
Set aside space for local businesses in new development projects (e.g., require a portion of first-floor space for locally owned businesses as a condition of permitting).
Create a small business office or position within city government to provide guidance to business owners and to serve as a liaison between small businesses and policymakers.
Ensure zoning codes allow for cottage businesses and residential retail units that can support economic growth and increase tax revenue with minimal disruption to traditional single-family neighborhoods.
Consider making street vending licenses more accessible, particularly for healthy food.