What Is A Microbusiness?
SBA Definition Of A Small Business
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Less than 500 employees
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or, Less than $41.5 million in annual revenue (depending upon industry)
Microbusiness Definition
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5 or less full-time employees
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Less than $250,000 in annual revenue
Microbusinesses are a subset of small businesses with unique characteristics, needs and challenges. Despite their small size, they play a huge role in small and rural economies making up 96% of all small businesses in the U.S.
Microbusinesses add to the quality of place in a community and give jobs or extra income to their owners and others. Think:
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A candle maker selling at local vendor fairs
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A local handyman doing word-of-mouth jobs
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A boutique owner running a shop on Main Street
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A food truck operator serving up hometown favorites
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But too often, when these entrepreneurs want to launch or grow, they don't think traditional business support programs are meant for them or they don’t know help even exists. That’s where SmartStart comes in.
Three Microbusiness Owner Profiles
From working with hundreds of microbusiness owners, we’ve discovered that microbusiness owners typically fall into three profiles. Each profile needs access to the same core information, but at different speeds, methods, and touchpoints.
The Explorer
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Pre-launch or early stage
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Prefers privacy
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Learns at their own pace
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Unsure if they’re ready
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Needs: DIY business support options until they are ready to get serious about their business
The Connector
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Often in idea or early stage of business
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Craves community
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Eager to learn
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Needs encouragement
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Needs: Community-oriented business support, such as workshops and meet-ups.
The Builder
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Already in business
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Focused on growth
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Needs tools, mentorship, and accountability
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Needs: Structured guidance delivered in a concentrated time frame with clear goals
The Challenge
Communities often do not have local microbusiness education and support programs in place or the staff to oversee such resources. Those who have tried struggle to identify and engage each type of microbusiness owners, and once connected, it’s difficult to balance their immediate needs with the long-term support required for growth.
How SmartStart helps you support microbusinesses in your community.
SmartStart Business Development partners with local small business and economic development leaders by equipping them with the tools, training, and resources to reach all three types of entrepreneurs - meeting each where they are, when they’re ready to launch or grow.
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​It’s a community-led approach to growing local economies through microbusiness development.
How is SmartStart Different From Other Small Business Development Programs?
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We focus on microbusinesses.
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We partner with communities, not just individuals.
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We offer a low-barrier option for entrepreneurs just starting out.
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We align with the work already being done in the community.
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We bring all the local business resources to the table. No silos here!
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We understand small town and rural realities. No need for extra staff.
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We truly care about your community and your entrepreneurs.