Published 13 hours ago
Submitted by GoDaddy
Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn
GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab
Welcome to the latest edition of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab update! First – the name change: GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab is the new name for Venture Forward. What began in 2018 as Venture Forward in the U.S. only has grown into a global research effort with tracking the rise and impact of online small and microbusinesses. Since 2018, we’ve also surveyed more than 60,000 entrepreneurs to better understand how they’re shaping local economies. If you are new to our work, we define microbusinesses as ventures with a unique GoDaddy domain, an active website, and typically fewer than 10 employees.
The new name reflects the evolution and growth of our research program, aligning more closely with GoDaddy’s strength as a partner to small businesses everywhere. The name change was also driven by the expanding scope of our analysis.
What’s not changing is our mission: our research, partnerships, and resources will remain focused on empowering others with fresh insights that matter most – in a way that uniquely blends granular and big-picture insights. Whether you're a policymaker, entrepreneur, academic, journalist or just curious about small business trends, you're in the right place.
Now, this edition features updated Q1 numbers, the 2025 economic impact of microbusinesses updated, insights on small business owner outlooks, and more!
Finally, we always welcome your feedback. If something in this issue sparks a thought, please share it. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, join us on LinkedIn to get new insights as soon as they’re live quarterly.
Warmly,
Alexandra Rosen
Global Head of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab
Microbusiness Data Hub: Latest Updates Now Live
Our Data Hub is refreshed through Q1/March 2025 across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. The update includes:
Below, you’ll also find:
COUNTRY | TOP | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | 5TH |
U.S. | Beauty | Health/Medical | Retail | Fitness/Wellness | Fashion |
U.K. | Beauty | Health/Medical | Pets | Fitness/Wellness | Retail |
Canada | Beauty | Health/Medical | Fitness/Wellness | Sports | Professional Services |
Australia | Health/Medical | Beauty | Sports | Fitness/Wellness Education |
Source: GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, Q1 2025
COUNTRY | TOP | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | 5TH |
U.S. (Metros > 400K Pop.) | Ft Lauderdale, FL | Las Vegas, NV | Ventura, CA | Tulsa, OK | Provo, UT |
Microbusiness Density | 21 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
U.K (Constituencies) | Cities of London and Westminster | Holborn and St Pancras | St Albans | Stoke-on-Trent South | Hackney South and Shoreditch |
Microbusiness Density | 26 | 10 | 19 | 9 | |
Canada (Provinces/Territories) | British Columbia | Ontario | Alberta | Quebec | Yukon |
Microbusiness Density | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Australia (SA3) | Canberra East | Sydney Inner City | Adelaide City | Port Phillip | Melbourne City |
Microbusiness Density | 13 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Source: GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, Q1 2025
To take a look at the newest findings and see what’s shifting:
2025 Economic Impact: How Microbusinesses Move Local Economies
New findings from our ongoing partnership with UCLA Anderson Forecast economists show just how impactful microbusinesses are at the local level:
U.S. National Survey – May 2025: Optimism and Caution
Our latest U.S. national survey reveals both resilience and recalibration:
Get the full picture.
Most Entrepreneurial Cities of 2025: Is Your Hometown On the List?
We’ve released our annual rankings spotlighting where entrepreneurship is booming in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. The data points to a diverse set of cities fueling new business creation with many of them well outside the usual hotspots.
A few standout takeaways:
This campaign celebrates the builders behind the boom, and the places making it possible. Explore the full rankings and download official city seals
GoDaddy Data Featured in the U.S. Chamber’s Forecast Update
GoDaddy’s data was cited in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Weekly Forecast, a trusted source for tracking trends in American entrepreneurship.
See the insights informing national conversations on Small Business topics
In the News
United States Microbusiness Owners Remain Optimistic – Entrepreneur GoDaddy’s latest survey shows that most U.S. microbusiness owners are expecting revenue growth despite broader economic concerns. Many are choosing to stay small by design; prioritizing freedom, flexibility, and fit. Explore the full story at Entrepreneur
United Kingdom Startup Growth Booming Across the North – Evening Standard New GoDaddy data reveals that 40% of the U.K.’s fastest-growing startup areas are in the North with towns like Barrow-in-Furness, Burnley, and Birkenhead seeing more than 70% year-over-year growth. See the regional breakdown in the Evening Standard
Australia Bundaberg Tops List for Startup Growth – IT Brief / Courier Mail Bundaberg led Australia with a remarkable 178% increase in new small businesses in 2024. That is more than doubling Sydney’s growth rate. Local registrations and regional investment data tell the story of a rising entrepreneurial hub. Catch the full report from IT Brief and Courier Mail
Canada Canadian Entrepreneurs Turning to AI for a Competitive Edge – Canadian Manufacturing According to GoDaddy research, 28% of Canadian microbusiness owners are already using AI for content creation, summarization, and automation. These AI adopters are also more likely to project revenue growth and hiring plans. Dig into the findings at Canadian Manufacturing
Got feedback? A story to share? Leave a comment below!
Until next time,
The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab Team
Source: GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, Q1 2025
GoDaddy is empowering everyday entrepreneurs around the world by providing all of the help and tools to succeed online. GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and manage their work. Our mission is to give our customers the tools, insights and the people to transform their ideas and personal initiative into success. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
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Empower by GoDaddy is GoDaddy's global community and philanthropic program equipping entrepreneurs in underserved communities with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their journeys. GoDaddy rallies behind entrepreneurs in underserved communities by building their confidence and skills to strengthen their small business’ digital presence. Entrepreneurs engage in customized learning experiences, work 1-1 with GoDaddy volunteer coaches and local mentors, and gain access to wrap-around services, in-kind products and networks boosting their small businesses success.
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