{"id":21023,"date":"2025-03-27T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=21023"},"modified":"2025-06-12T07:43:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T14:43:22","slug":"small-business-pandemic-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/small-business-pandemic-entrepreneurs\/","title":{"rendered":"Thriving Pandemic Businesses: 6 Lessons From the Startup Surge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When times get tough, people get entrepreneurial. It\u2019s true \u2014 recessions in the United States are typically marked by increases in entrepreneurial activity. Even still, last year was special. In 2024, the United States averaged <a href=\"https:\/\/home.treasury.gov\/news\/featured-stories\/small-business-and-entrepreneurship-in-the-post-covid-expansion\">430,000 new business applications per month<\/a>, breaking records and proving that entrepreneurship is alive and well. That\u2019s a 50% jump from 2019 and shows just how much innovation is thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is everyone jumping into business? For some, it\u2019s about solving a problem they\u2019ve spotted. For others, it\u2019s about finally becoming their own boss. And with all the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/products\/\">digital tools<\/a> at your fingertips, starting a business has never been easier. Let\u2019s dive into what\u2019s fueling this wave of entrepreneurship and how you can ride it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll learn:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-why-economic-challenges-inspire-entrepreneurship\">Why economic challenges inspire entrepreneurship<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-six-lessons-from-the-startup-surge\">Six lessons from the startup surge<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-the-role-of-ai-in-shaping-small-businesses-today\">The role of AI in shaping small businesses today<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-navigating-economic-uncertainty-with-confidence\">Navigating economic uncertainty with confidence<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-economic-challenges-inspire-entrepreneurship\">Why economic challenges inspire entrepreneurship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>History shows that tough times often push people to think outside the box. During the Great Depression, for example, innovative companies like Disney and HP were born out of necessity and ambition. Similarly, the 2008 financial crisis saw a wave of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/what-is-an-smb\/\">small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)<\/a> emerge as people turned job losses into opportunities to create something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast forward to recent years, and you\u2019ll see this trend repeating itself. Over the past four years, the U.S. has seen a historic small business boom, with more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/article\/2025\/01\/17\/us-hits-record-21-million-new-business-applications-sba-publishes-report-outlining-how-biden-harris#:~:text=The%20report%20summarizes%20key%20reforms,applications%20nationwide%20since%20President%20Biden\">21 million new business applications<\/a>. Many of these entrepreneurs started because they wanted more control over their lives or saw a gap in the market they knew they could fill. What\u2019s interesting is how accessible <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/how-to-start-a-small-business\/\">starting a business<\/a> has become, with digital tools and platforms making it easier than ever to reach customers and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Government and community support also play a huge role in helping small businesses survive tough times. Many SMB leaders say support from their community has been critical to their success. Whether it\u2019s loyal customers, local partnerships, or online followers cheering them on, entrepreneurs are finding ways to thrive even when the economy is unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cluster-content-section-alt has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-salesforce-blog-section-heading\">\n\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-salesforce-blog-section-heading__title\">\n\t\t\t\tAI Tools for Small Business\t<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"  noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1191\" height=\"657\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-3.51.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-136216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-3.51.44-PM.png 1191w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-3.51.44-PM.png?w=906&amp;h=500 906w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-3.51.44-PM.png?w=768&amp;h=424 768w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-3.51.44-PM.png?w=150&amp;h=83 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1191px) 100vw, 1191px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-agentforce-for-small-business-is-here\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">Agentforce For Small Business is Here<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cluster-content-card is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94bc23d7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/agentforce-for-small-business\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/TSK-39419_What_Is_Agentforce_For_SMB_v3-1.jpg?w=1500\" alt=\"Illustration showcasing Agentforce for small business by Salesforce\" class=\"wp-image-105202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/TSK-39419_What_Is_Agentforce_For_SMB_v3-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/TSK-39419_What_Is_Agentforce_For_SMB_v3-1.jpg?w=889&amp;h=500 889w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/TSK-39419_What_Is_Agentforce_For_SMB_v3-1.jpg?w=768&amp;h=432 768w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/01\/TSK-39419_What_Is_Agentforce_For_SMB_v3-1.jpg?w=150&amp;h=84 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-agentforce-360-for-small-business\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/agentforce-for-small-business\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">What is Agentforce 360 For Small Business? <\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cluster-content-card is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94bc23d7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/form\/conf\/small-business\/smbs-grow-with-agentforce\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/content\/dam\/web\/en_us\/www\/images\/form\/smb\/form\/grow-your-small-business-with-ai-agents-hero.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grow-your-business-with-ai-agents\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/form\/conf\/small-business\/smbs-grow-with-agentforce\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">Grow Your Business With AI Agents<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cluster-content-card is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94bc23d7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/employee-agents-are-helping-smbs\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/Employee-Agent-SMB.jpg?w=724\" alt=\"AI globe on blue background with Automation and Big data Cyber Secure, Biotech and Engineering Tools icons\" class=\"wp-image-138905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/Employee-Agent-SMB.jpg 724w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/Employee-Agent-SMB.jpg?w=150&amp;h=100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-ways-employee-agents-are-helping-small-businesses\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/employee-agents-are-helping-smbs\/?d=bcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">8 Ways Employee Agents Are Helping Small Businesses<\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-six-lessons-from-the-startup-surge\">Six lessons from the startup surge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We surveyed entrepreneurs to find out what it was like being an entrepreneur during tough economic times. What they said points to optimism, self-reliance, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/digital-first-small-medium-business\/\">digital-first<\/a> mindset. Whether you\u2019re dreaming of starting your own business or just curious about what\u2019s driving this wave of innovation, these six takeaways paint a clear picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-creativity-is-critical\">1. Creativity is critical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked respondents to list the three most important qualities an entrepreneur needed during the economic downturn. Creativity was number one by a landslide, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/news\/stories\/30-of-pandemic-entrepreneurs-plan-to-never-open-a-physical-space\">cited by 57% of those surveyed<\/a>. It\u2019s easy to see why: with workplaces closed, and in-person business put on hold, people had to get creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some launched businesses from their kitchens, turning family recipes into thriving brands. Others tapped into social media, using platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/\">Instagram<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/en\/\">TikTok<\/a> to showcase their products with a personal touch. Creative thinking went beyond products. It was used in marketing, operations, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/service\/digital-customer-engagement-platform\/what-is-customer-engagement\/\">customer engagement<\/a>. For example, local coffee shops survived by creating subscription boxes for their beans, and small gyms introduced pay-as-you-go virtual classes. These changes helped businesses stay afloat and created new ways to earn money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-being-your-own-boss-is-the-ultimate-inspiration\">2. Being your own boss is the ultimate inspiration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The freedom to call the shots is a huge motivator for entrepreneurs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/reasons-to-start-small-business\/\">Starting your own business<\/a> means setting your own hours, pursuing your passions, and building something meaningful. During the startup surge, this sense of autonomy drove countless people to take the leap. This held true as more than half (57%) of those we surveyed cited being in charge as the main inspiration for starting a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-economic-shifts-accelerate-plans\">3. Economic shifts accelerate plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Entrepreneurs from this era often said they\u2019d been planning their businesses for years but only made the move when they saw an opportunity. Although just over a quarter (25.1%) of the entrepreneurs we surveyed said they\u2019d been laid-off as a result of the economic shift, and needed income, most of them started their business for other reasons. When the world shifted to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/ca\/blog\/the-4-tools-your-remote-workers-need-to-boost-productivity\/\">remote work<\/a>, people spotted opportunities to solve new problems. Delivery services exploded as consumers sought convenience. Health-focused startups thrived as people prioritized wellness. The rise of freelancing and gig work offered new pathways to entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"layout-astro wp-block-salesforce-blog-related-trail\">\n\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"related-trail__illustration related-trail__cloud\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/salesforce-blog\/dist\/images\/related-trail-cloud-layout-astro.png\" alt=\"\">\n\n\t\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"related-trail__illustration related-trail__background\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/salesforce-blog\/dist\/images\/related-trail-background-layout-astro.png\" alt=\"\">\n\n\t<div class=\"related-trail__wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__content\">\n\t\t\t\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 345.8 82.8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"related-trail__logo\"><path fill=\"#1d3767\" d=\"M96.6 33h9v22.6h4.8V33h8.8v-4.3H96.6zm49.8 5.3c0-5.7-3.6-9.6-10.8-9.6H127v27h4.8v-7.9h3l2.3-.1 5.7 8h5.6l-7-9.2c3.4-1.6 5-4.5 5-8.2m-11.1 5.3h-3.6V33h3.6c4.4 0 6 2.3 6 5.3s-1.6 5.3-6 5.3m30.8-15.2-12.6 27.2h5l2.3-5.3h11.6l2.4 5.3h5l-12.6-27.1zm-3.6 18 4.1-9.2 4.1 9.3zm25.2-17.7h4.8v27h-4.8zm20.7 0h-4.8v27h17.6v-4.4h-12.8zm38.4 12.1h-13.2V28.7H229v27h4.7V45h13.2v10.6h4.7V28.7h-4.7zm15.9 14.8h17.5v-4.4h-12.7v-6.4H279v-4.2h-11.5v-7.5h12.7v-4.4h-17.5zm36.9-27.2L287 55.6h5l2.3-5.3H306l2.4 5.3h5l-12.6-27.1zm-3.6 18 4.1-9.2 4.1 9.3zm35.4-17.7h-10.2v27h10.2c8.2 0 14.4-5.9 14.4-13.6s-6-13.4-14.4-13.4m0 22.6H326V33h5.4a9.1 9.1 0 1 1 0 18.1z\" \/><path fill=\"#1d315f\" d=\"M43 82.8h.1a74 74 0 0 0 38.5-12.3 3 3 0 0 0 1.3-2.4v-6A66.2 66.2 0 0 0 42.5.2a3 3 0 0 0-2.3 0A66.2 66.2 0 0 0 0 62.2V68a3 3 0 0 0 1.2 2.4 74 74 0 0 0 40.2 12.4z\" \/><path fill=\"#8ed1f4\" d=\"M13.8 51.8a.3.3 0 0 0 0-.1L33 23.6a3.1 3.1 0 0 1 .8-.8 3 3 0 0 1 4 .8l9.5 13.8 3.5-5a3 3 0 0 1 4.9 0L69 51.6a.3.3 0 0 1 .1.3h7C70.7 17.7 43.7 7.2 41.4 6.2c0 0-11.2 4-21.2 16A59.6 59.6 0 0 0 6.8 51.8zm21.7-21.3\" \/><path fill=\"#aa76b3\" d=\"m62 51.9-8.7-12.6-4.2 6.1 4.8 6.4z\" \/><path fill=\"#722a87\" d=\"m49 45.4-4.4 6.4H54z\" \/><path fill=\"#8ed1f4\" d=\"m37 32.6-1.5-2.1z\" \/><path fill=\"#aa76b3\" d=\"m28 41.4 7.6 10.4h1.8l6.4-9.2-6.8-10-1.5-2.1z\" \/><path fill=\"#722a87\" d=\"m28 41.4-7 10.4h14.6z\" \/><path fill=\"#069a49\" d=\"M43.8 72.5a1.8 1.8 0 0 0-1-2.4L40.1 69a8 8 0 0 1-1-.5 7.8 7.8 0 0 1-2.4-10.7H6a44 44 0 0 0-.2 4.4v4.4A70 70 0 0 0 26 75a70 70 0 0 0 15.2 2l2.4-4.3zm33-14.8H44.3l-2.5 3a1.7 1.7 0 0 0-.2.5 1.8 1.8 0 0 0 1 2.3l2.7 1.2.7.4a7.8 7.8 0 0 1 3 10.6l-.5.9 4.8-.8a71 71 0 0 0 8.4-2.2l1.3-.4a71 71 0 0 0 14-6.7v-8.8z\" \/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"m46 65-.7-.3-2.7-1.2a1.8 1.8 0 0 1-1-2.4 1.7 1.7 0 0 1 .2-.4l2.5-3h-7.6A7.8 7.8 0 0 0 39 68.4a8 8 0 0 0 1 .5l2.7 1.2a1.8 1.8 0 0 1 1 2.4l-.1.2-2.5 4.3a52.5 52.5 0 0 0 7.2-.4l.5-.9A7.8 7.8 0 0 0 46 65.1z\" \/><path fill=\"#157139\" d=\"M56.9 67.3h8.8l-4.4-5zM23 71h9l-4.5-5.1zm-4.1-10.4-4.5 5h8.9z\" \/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-related-trail__title\">Trailhead: <strong>Build your business skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p>Master the essential skills to connect with customers, drive growth, and achieve success on Salesforce&#039;s free online learning platform. Trailhead.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/trailhead.salesforce.com\/content\/learn\/trails\/build-your-business-skills\">Visit Trail<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__mock\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__points\">+2,100 points<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__eyebrow\">Trail<\/div>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"related-trail__trail-title h3\">Build your business skills<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"related-trail__trail-description\">Learn the ways of this trail.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__actions\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__action\">\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 10 10\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"#747474\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m4.93.69.88 2.88c.04.12.16.18.27.18h2.89c.29 0 .4.38.17.56L6.79 6.04c-.1.07-.13.2-.1.32l1.12 2.96c.08.27-.2.5-.44.33L4.85 7.77c-.1-.08-.23-.08-.34 0L1.97 9.65a.29.29 0 0 1-.45-.33L2.6 6.36a.3.3 0 0 0-.1-.32L.17 4.3c-.23-.18-.1-.56.17-.56h2.89c.13 0 .23-.04.27-.18l.9-2.9c.08-.27.46-.25.54.02Z\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-trail__action\">\n<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 5\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"#747474\" d=\"M4.16 4.5.26 0h7.8z\" \/><\/svg>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"related-trail__illustration related-trail__foreground\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/salesforce-blog\/dist\/images\/related-trail-foreground-layout-astro.png\" alt=\"\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"related-trail__illustration related-trail__parks\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/salesforce-blog\/dist\/images\/related-trail-parks-layout-astro.png\" alt=\"\">\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-direct-to-consumer-businesses-dominate\">4. Direct-to-consumer businesses dominate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/commerce\/direct-to-consumer\/guide\/\">Direct-to-consumer (D2C)<\/a> models became the backbone of the startup surge. According to our data, roughly 80% of these businesses sell directly to consumers. Why? Because they cut out the middleman and connect businesses directly with their customers. Brands have built strong followings by focusing on what customers truly want and delivering it in a personalized way. New entrepreneurs used this model to sell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Handmade goods on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/commerce\/online-store-platform\/\">digital storefronts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subscription boxes with personalized products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital services like fitness coaching and tutoring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning a business, think about how you can connect directly with your audience. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/form\/conf\/social-media-marketing\/\">Social media<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/smb-email-nurture-journeys\/\">email marketing<\/a>, and your website are powerful tools to engage with customers and keep them coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-starting-small-is-feasible\">5. Starting small is feasible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s still some truth to the old adage, \u201cIt takes money to make money.\u201d But it might not take as much as it used to. Over half (52%) of our new small business owners launched their new companies with less than $10,000 in funding \u2014 and nearly half of that group had less than $5,000 on hand on opening day. An overwhelming majority (nearly 80%) of founders drew from their own bank accounts to get things going, while roughly one-third received friends and family investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how entrepreneurs managed to start lean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Affordable tools: <\/strong>Platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">Canva<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">Wix<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/starter\/?d=bcta\">Starter Suite<\/a> made branding and websites accessible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Micro-funding:<\/strong> Crowdfunding sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\">Kickstarter<\/a> helped raise initial capital.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Small-scale operations:<\/strong> Many entrepreneurs began in their homes, minimizing overhead costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Find More Leads &amp; Win More Deals with Salesforce Starter Suite | Salesforce Explained\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o8NBN4L9xyk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-digital-first-is-the-new-normal\">6. Digital-first is the new normal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One reason so many new businesses could be born on small budgets is that they\u2019re small \u2014 59% of the businesses surveyed employ five or fewer people. Another reason? They\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/digital-first-small-medium-business\/\">digital-first<\/a>, mostly requiring nothing in the way of physical space or equipment beyond a computer or even just a phone. Seventy percent of those surveyed said their new business was born out of technology or tech-focused from day one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing in the right technology is key to this success. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/resources\/research-reports\/smb-trends\/\">76% of SMBs are spending more on technology<\/a> this year, with 88% of growing businesses making it a priority. When choosing tools, SMBs focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/artificial-intelligence\/\">artificial intelligence (AI)<\/a> capabilities, ease of use, and affordability. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/crm\/what-is-crm\/\">customer relationship management (CRM)<\/a> tools are becoming more important as they help businesses manage leads, close deals, and build strong relationships with customers, all without needing a lot of infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"layout-six wp-block-salesforce-blog-offer\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-offer__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-offer__content\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-offer__title\">Grow Your Business With AI Agents<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-offer__description\">Learn how autonomous AI can scale your small business for free in our latest e-book.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/form\/conf\/small-business\/smbs-grow-with-agentforce\/?d=bcta\">Get it now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-offer__media\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"621\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Ebook-Cover.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ebook\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Ebook-Cover.png 621w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/06\/Ebook-Cover.png?w=150&amp;h=104 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-role-of-ai-in-shaping-small-businesses-today\">The role of AI in shaping small businesses today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AI is helping small businesses do more with less effort. Humans with AI drive success together, we\u2019re seeing. Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/resources\/research-reports\/smb-trends\/\">75% of SMBs are investing in AI<\/a>, and the results are clear. Businesses using AI report a 91% boost in revenue, with 90% saying it makes their operations more efficient. What\u2019s exciting is how AI levels the playing field for small businesses. You don\u2019t need a big budget to compete with larger companies anymore. Even starting small can make a big difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what is AI really doing? It all starts with getting your data together across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/sales\/\">sales<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/marketing\/\">marketing<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/service\/\">service<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/commerce\/\">commerce<\/a>. A CRM (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/starter\/\">Starter Suite<\/a>) makes this possible by organizing your customer information in one place. Add AI to the mix, and you can automate routine tasks like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/eu\/blog\/the-modern-sales-follow-up-process-explained\/\">sending follow-up emails<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/au\/blog\/what-is-lead-qualification\/\">qualifying sales leads<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But with an AI CRM (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/\">Foundations and Enterprise<\/a>), imagine AI managing bookings, modifications, and cancellations for dining, hotels, travel, and events. Or providing upsell opportunities by analyzing customer history and boosting sales. Sounds amazing, right? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/agentforce\/\">Agentforce<\/a> does all of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Agentforce, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/agentforce\/agent-builder\/\">build and customize AI agents<\/a> tailored to your unique business needs. Whether you\u2019re streamlining customer service with AI chat or driving sales with personalized insights, Agentforce adapts to your needs. And because Agentforce operates within your CRM, it ensures all your customer data is unified and actionable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The numbers back it up too. Small businesses that use AI see real results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>85% of SMBs with AI report a return on investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>87% say AI helps them scale faster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>82% of SMBs say it will restructure their operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check it out for yourself at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/crm\/foundations\/\">Salesforce Foundations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69ea4281e74e3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69ea4281e74e3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2155\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-121218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png 2155w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png?w=898&amp;h=500 898w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png?w=768&amp;h=428 768w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png?w=1536&amp;h=855 1536w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png?w=2048&amp;h=1140 2048w, https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/12\/AF-BEN-blog.png?w=150&amp;h=84 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2155px) 100vw, 2155px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-navigating-economic-uncertainty-with-confidence\">Navigating economic uncertainty with confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Economic uncertainty brings challenges, but it also creates opportunities for those ready to adapt. Starting and growing a business doesn&#8217;t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can streamline operations and stay organized even in tough times. Salesforce makes it easy to manage your leads, track deals, and build lasting relationships with your customers. It&#8217;s an all-in-one CRM platform designed to save you time, boost productivity, and help your business scale faster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your journey with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/form\/signup\/freetrial-salesforce-starter\/?d=bcta\">free trial of Starter<\/a> today. Looking for more customization? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/small-business\/pro-suite\/\">Explore Pro Suite<\/a>. Already a Salesforce customer? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/crm\/foundations\/\">Activate Foundations<\/a> today to try out Agentforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>AI supported the writers and editors of this article.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Uncover the trends, tools, and mindset fueling the record growth of small businesses in a tough economic landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":179,"featured_media":21055,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sf_justforyou_enable_alt":true,"optimizely_content_id":"1a8e38c3841940eabc2098b015359668","post_meta_title":"","ai_synopsis":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"sf_topic":[55,628,607],"sf_content_type":[],"blog":[1813,1869,1878],"coauthors":[467,2434],"class_list":["post-21023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sf_topic-research","sf_topic-startups","sf_topic-small-business","blog-small-business","blog-reports","blog-startups"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>6 Lessons From the Startup Surge<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Pandemic entrepreneurs started 4.4 million+ new businesses in the US during 2020 \u2014 the highest total on record. 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