New Data on Entrepreneurship in Michigan Shows 8.8% Growth in Microbusinesses and Provides Snapshot County by County

The Data Was Unveiled Today by Right to Start Founder and CEO Victor Hwang in Partnership with GoDaddy, Simultaneous with his Presentation at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference

Mackinac Island, MI – May 30, 2024 – Right to Start, the national nonprofit organization championing entrepreneurship as a civic priority, unveiled today new data on entrepreneurship in Michigan, providing a snapshot county by county. The data shows the presence of microbusinesses across the state and highlights the national economic impact on employment. The findings come from Venture Forward, an ongoing research initiative by GoDaddy that analyzes the impact of more than 20 million online microbusinesses. Venture Forward provides a unique view into the attitudes, demographics, and needs of these entrepreneurs. The data was unveiled at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference simultaneous with Right to Start Founder and CEO Victor Hwang’s presentation at the Conference.

The data is based on the 541,666 microbusinesses (often with 10 or fewer employees) in Michigan that have a digital presence (measured by a unique domain and an active website). It reveals that the number of microbusinesses in the state grew 8.8% (from 500,583) since August 2019. It also indicates that in Michigan, counties average about seven microbusinesses per 100 people. Across the United States, Venture Forward research shows that about seven new jobs are created by each microbusiness entrepreneur on a county level.

The 15 Michigan counties with the largest number of microbusinesses per 100 people are:

1.     Oakland: 18.9

2.     Grand Traverse: 12.4

3.     Kent: 8.8

4.     Washtenaw: 7.8

5.     Emmet: 7.7

6.     Leelanau: 7.0

7.     Charlevoix: 6.6

8.     Livingston: 6.4

9.     Ingham: 6.3

10.  Ottawa: 5.9

11.  Mason: 5.8

12.  Antrim: 5.7

13.  Macomb: 5.6

14.  Wayne: 5.6

15.  Kalamazoo: 5.3.

A complete list of Michigan’s 83 counties and the number of microbusinesses per 100 people in each county is shown below. Understanding the presence and impact of entrepreneurship is vital to economic growth, as young businesses create virtually all job growth in America.

“This snapshot of entrepreneurship in Michigan shows both the activity already in place and the opportunity ahead,” said Victor W. Hwang, Founder and CEO of Right to Start and a panel member at the Conference. “Michigan can build on the level of entrepreneurship that is already in place to become a national leader in future entrepreneurial innovation.”

“GoDaddy's data offers a vital glimpse into the significance of entrepreneurship in Michigan, through this partnership with Right to Start,” said Alexandra Rosen, senior director of Venture Forward. “This snapshot of Michigan highlights the potential for entrepreneurial growth and its powerful implications for increased employment.”

GoDaddy makes this and other data on entrepreneurship available free to the public through its  Venture Forward website, supporting entrepreneurs and their advocates through unique and timely data.

The annual Mackinac Policy Conference brings nationally recognized speakers and statewide thought leaders to Mackinac Island to discuss key issues facing Michigan. It is taking place this year from May 28 to May 31.

For more information, contact Henry Miller at hmiller@highimpactpartnering.com.

Right to Start is a national nonpartisan movement to advance entrepreneurship as a civic priority throughout the United States. Entrepreneurship has long been viewed as a solitary endeavor – the lone starter in a basement or garage. Right to Start’s vision is to transform America so that all communities prioritize entrepreneurship, clearing away obstacles to ensure that every American has an equal right to start and a level playing field on which to embark. The campaign is conducted through two affiliated nonprofit organizations, a 501(c)3 and 501(c)4.

Michigan’s 83 Counties and the Number of Microbusinesses Per 100 People 

Alcona County: 1.8 microbusinesses per 100 people

Alger: 4.0

Allegan: 3.3

Alpena: 2.7

Antrim: 5.7

Arenac: 2.1

Baraga: 1.5

Barry: 2.5

Bay: 2.7

Benzie: 5.1

Berrien: 5.0

Branch: 3.2

Calhoun: 2.9

Cass: 2.6

Charlevoix: 6.6

Cheboygan: 2.3

Chippewa: 1.9

Clare: 2.4

Clinton: 4.1

Crawford: 2.0

Delta: 2.5

Dickinson: 2.7

Eaton: 4.7

Emmet: 7.7

Genesee: 4.4

Gladwin: 1.8

Gogebic: 2.7

Grand Traverse: 12.4

Gratiot: 1.9

Hillsdale: 2.6

Houghton: 3.9

Huron: 3.0

Ingham: 6.3

Ionia: 3.8

Iosco: 2.6

Iron: 1.4

Isabella: 3.0

Jackson: 3.2

Kalamazoo: 5.3

Kalkaska: 3.1

Kent: 8.8

Keweenaw: 2.1

Lake: 1.9

Lapeer: 3.4

Leelanau: 7.0

Lenawee: 4.9

Livingston: 6.4

Luce: 3.6

Mackinac: 4.5

Macomb: 5.6

Manistee: 3.3

Marquette: 5.2

Mason: 5.8

Mecosta: 4.1

Menominee: 2.4

Midland: 4.3

Missaukee: 2.5

Monroe: 2.9

Montcalm: 2.2

Montmoren: 3.1

Muskegon: 3.1

Newaygo: 3.7

Oakland: 18.9

Oceana: 3.1

Ogemaw: 1.8

Ontonagon: 1.5

Osceola: 2.5

Oscoda: 2.3

Otsego: 5.1

Ottawa: 5.9

Presque Isle: 1.5

Roscommon: 4.3

Saginaw: 4.0

St. Clair: 3.9

St. Joseph: 2.7

Sanilac: 2.6

Schoolcraft: 2.5

Shiawassee: 2.8

Tuscola: 2.2

Van Buren: 3.8

Washtenaw: 7.8

Wayne: 5.6

Wexford: 3.5