Solopreneur America!

By SBE Council at 22 June, 2026, 8:29 am

by Raymond J. Keating -

America is a nation of entrepreneurs. In particular, one can make the case that America is a nation of solopreneurs. Solopreneurs are one-man or one-woman businesses.

The latest Census Bureau data point to there being approximately 36.8 million business firms in the U.S., and 30.4 million of those are nonemployers, or solopreneurs.

According to a May 2025 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, "The nation's 29.8 million nonemployer businesses - those with no paid employees and are subject to federal income tax - made up $1.7 trillion or about 6.8% of the 2022 U.S. economy…"

As for the states:

● "Florida had the greatest per capita rate of nonemployer establishments, boasting 13.3 such establishments for every 100 people. Wyoming and Georgia tied for a distant second (with 10.8 each), followed by Texas, Vermont, and Colorado (10.0 each)."

● "West Virginia was the state with the lowest per capita rate, with 5.3 nonemployer establishments per 100 people."

As for the growth of solopreneurship and the tools they use, CNBC noted :

● "While side hustles have been a staple of the American economy for years, it may seem counterintuitive that amid tariffs and high interest rates, the ranks of small business owners are growing. But one-person businesses are growing faster than ever, and experts agree that artificial intelligence is likely a factor. 'I think the barriers to entry for being a small business owner now are probably the least they've ever been,' said Mark Valentino, Los Angeles-based head of business banking for Citizens Bank. He estimates that an interested individual could start a side hustle in 10 minutes and start making money, with AI providing a ready-made virtual assistant and ChatGPT available to assemble a business plan within minutes."

● "Social media is also powering these numbers as solopreneurs are connecting with interested consumers online instantly, customers bases that once would have taken years to identify and build. Esme Lean, head of small business at TikTok, points to a creator who recently moved 750 bottles of monk fruit chamoy (probably not the first - or second-item on most people's shopping lists) in her first week online. She developed the traditional Mexican topping with monk fruit instead of sugar to cater to some dietary restrictions. 'You don't even have to have a business idea; it could just be something interesting or something you love that you end up creating a business from,' Lean said. There are an estimated 7.5 million businesses on TikTok…"

● "Whether AI or social media, Najiba Benabess, the business dean at Neumann University, says the rise of the solopreneurs reflects a significant shift in use of technology and how workers across the economy view professional opportunities. 'Technology has lowered barriers to entry; one person with a laptop can now run a global business,' Benabess said, noting that at the same time, people are prioritizing flexibility, autonomy, and purpose over traditional career paths. 'Solopreneurship also responds to rapid changes in the labor market, where skills and creativity are more valuable than organizational structures,' Benabess said."

As for the reasons for becoming and performance of solopreneurs, Gusto.com (July 2025) found the following:

● "Most solopreneurs start their businesses to gain control over their time and work. Fifty-four percent of new solopreneurs cited 'being my own boss' as a top reason for starting a business, and 53% named flexible scheduling."

● "Despite modest financing, solopreneurs are often profitable early. Nearly half started their business with under $5,000, and 84% of those who sought financing used personal funds. Yet 77% reported profitability in their first year, well above employer businesses, and 93% expect to be profitable in 2025."

Finally, FunderReports.com has reported the following about launching businesses as solopreneurs:

● "56% of solopreneurs launched their business after the pandemic began in 2020; the pandemic and rising costs were the main catalysts, with 57% reporting that inflation forced them to seek additional income sources."

● "36% cite a lack of other opportunities, viewing self-employment as the best way to create their own path forward."

● "84% used their own money to start the business, avoiding outside investment or loans."

● "76% of solopreneurs work remotely, at least some of the time" and "34% work from home."

● "13% report feeling lonely or isolated, highlighting one of the psychological challenges of working without colleagues or a team environment."

● "Artificial intelligence has become a significant asset for solo business owners, with rapid adoption suggesting solopreneurs are finding ways to scale their efforts without adding headcount." For example, "64% use generative AI to assist with marketing," "37% use AI to assist with customer service," and "36% use AI for help with sales."

Like other American businesses, solopreneurs are a rich and varied group. For good measure, solopreneurs often turn out to be the starting places for dynamic firms that play a disproportionate role in driving innovation and growth.

Raymond J. Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. He is the author of " The Weekly Economist " book series, and 10 Points from Walt Disney on Entrepreneurship .