Why Small Businesses Matter in North & South Carolina

Small businesses are the heartbeat of North and South Carolina, and supporting them has always been part of Carolina Blogging’s mission. As we relaunch our Small Business Spotlight Series, I wanted to share why this work matters, what the data shows, and why telling these stories makes a difference in our local communities.

Small Businesses Are the Backbone of the NC & SC Economy

North Carolina

Small businesses continue to be the foundation of North Carolina’s economy in 2025. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s latest data, the state is home to 1.1 million small businesses, making up 99.6% of all businesses in North Carolina. These companies employ 1.8 million workers, representing 44.2% of the state’s workforce.

Business Openings & Job Growth

From March 2023 to March 2024, North Carolina experienced strong small business activity:

• 38,748 businesses opened, while 30,680 closed, creating a net gain of 8,068 businesses.
• Small businesses were responsible for 36,990 openings and 29,023 closings, underscoring the extent of entrepreneurial activity at the small-business level.
• These business movements added 467,035 jobs and lost 408,303, resulting in a net gain of 58,732 jobs statewide.
• Small businesses contributed 52,820 of those net jobs, nearly 90% of all job growth in that period.

Top Industries for Small Business

North Carolina’s small businesses span every major industry. The largest sectors include:

• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services — 139,289 businesses
• Other Services (personal services, repair, etc.) — 133,012 businesses
• Construction — 129,958 businesses
• Administrative & Support Services — 113,646 businesses
• Real Estate & Leasing — 109,026 businesses

South Carolina

Small businesses remain the core of South Carolina’s economy in 2025. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s latest profile, the state is home to 530,402 small businesses, making up 99.4% of all businesses in South Carolina. These businesses employ 863,326 workers, representing 42.9% of the statewide workforce.

Business Openings & Job Growth

Between March 2023 and March 2024, South Carolina saw healthy business movement:

• 20,541 establishments opened and 17,427 closed, creating a net gain of 3,114.
• Small businesses accounted for 19,401 openings and 16,287 closings, showing how essential small employers are to statewide business activity.
• Opening and expanding establishments added 237,238 jobs, while contractions and closures led to 201,458 job losses, resulting in a net gain of 35,780 jobs.
• Small businesses contributed 25,358 of those net new jobs, or 70.9% of all job growth during that period.

This demonstrates how strongly South Carolina’s economy depends on small business job creation.

Top Industries for Small Business

Small businesses are active in every major sector in South Carolina. The industries with the highest number of small firms include:

• Other Services — 68,832 businesses
• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services — 63,369
• Construction — 57,078
• Administrative & Support Services — 56,800
• Real Estate & Rental Leasing — 53,138

These industries highlight a mix of trades, services, and professional expertise that power South Carolina’s local economy.

What Defines a Small Business in North and South Carolina?

North Carolina and South Carolina follow the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines, which define a small business as one that is:

• Independently owned and operated
• Not dominant in its industry
• Below the SBA’s size standards for employees or revenue (varies by industry)

In most cases across the Carolinas, this means:

• Fewer than 500 employees
• Many have fewer than 20 employees
• Operate locally, often as LLCs, sole proprietors, partnerships, or family-owned companies

Small businesses here include retail shops, service providers, restaurants, trades, makers, professional services, and online or home-based businesses.

Because so many Carolina businesses fall into this category, small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in both states, forming the backbone of our local economy and communities.

Why Carolina Blogging Supports Small Businesses

Small businesses aren’t just storefronts. They are people, families, makers, creatives, dreamers, and risk-takers. They shape the culture, personality, and economy of our Carolina towns.

At Carolina Blogging:

• We believe in local.
• We believe that stories build connection.
• We believe every small business deserves visibility.

So many talented business owners don’t have the time or resources to market themselves consistently. By offering a platform to share their story, highlight their products or services, and connect with readers, we help amplify the voices that often get overlooked in a crowded online world.

Why the Small Business Spotlight Matters

The Small Business Spotlight is designed to:

• Give local owners a place to share their story
• Introduce our readers to new and unique Carolina businesses
• Provide advertising for small brands
• Strengthen awareness of local shopping and community support
• Build a resource for consumers who want to shop locally and intentionally

This project is about connection, building bridges between creators, communities, and customers.

How You Can Support Small Businesses (For Free!)

You don’t have to spend money to make a meaningful impact. Here are five simple, easy ways to support local businesses this holiday season:

1. Like and comment on their posts
2. Share their content with a friend
3. Leave a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook
4. Tag someone who’d love their products
5. Recommend them to your network

These small actions help businesses reach new audiences and improve visibility online, and they cost nothing.

Are You a Small Business Owner in NC or SC?

The Carolina Blogging Small Business Spotlight is now open for submissions.

If you own a business in North or South Carolina and would like to be featured, you can learn more and submit your details through the links section on our website.

Your story deserves to be shared, and I’d love to help tell it.