GoDaddy Venture Forward is a research initiative that quantifies the impact 20+ million online microbusinesses have on their local economies, and provides a unique view into the attitudes, demographics, and needs of these entrepreneurs.

Preparing your microbusiness
Updated November 2023

The Microbusiness
Data Hub

Over the last four years, Venture Forward met with hundreds of local policymakers, economic developers, researchers, and academics to share what we know about microbusinesses. This data is now freely available to you.

A closer look at microbusinesses

They’re the people who build websites, run restaurants, and offer classes online. But their impact has largely gone unnoticed. Our mission is to change that. We use data to show policy makers how microbusinesses make communities more prosperous and resilient.

Ambitious, Scrappy and Optimistic: A Look at Under-30 Microbusiness Owners

Ambitious, Scrappy and Optimistic: A Look at Un...

Ambitious, Scrappy and Optimistic: A Look at Under-30 Microbusiness Owners

Many Americans responded to the economic turbulence of recent years by starting microbusinesses. While all of these everyday entrepreneurs need to be scrappy, ambitious and optimistic, one demographic group stands out for these qualities: those under the age of 30.

Profile of a Microbusiness

  • Less than 10 employees
    95%
  • Started in 2020 or later
    39%
  • Earn over $5,000 last month
    29%
  • Saw revenue grow in last 6 months
    33%
  • Unaware of business assistance, funding, and government programs
    67%
From struggling single mother to successful entrepreneur

From struggling single mother to successful ent...

From struggling single mother to successful entrepreneur

How skills training and a microloan helped one woman thrive through the pandemic

Venture Forward opened our eyes to just how big of a venture market we have in Gilbert…That ultimately led to the funding of $18 million worth of business recovery funds.
Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson
Director of the Office of Economic Development, Gilbert, AZ
Story