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The middle of a pandemic may seem like a strange time to start a business. But that’s 

The number of business applications in the United States shot up to record numbers over the summer and remained 

This is unusual during a recession. And, the trend offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape as hundreds of thousands of small businesses struggle to survive during the pandemic and economic slowdown. 

The startups and new businesses include high-growth firms funded by venture capitalists, but also sole proprietorships and mom-and-pop establishments. Some people have 

 to make up for a lost job or declining income. Other people are pursuing their dreams now because they have more time on their hands. Others were intending to open in 2020 and forged ahead despite challenges. 

Have you started a business recently? Are you thinking of starting one? 

On Tuesday, MPR News guest host and Marketplace senior economics contributor Chris Farrell spoke with a small business owner and a small business advocate about what’s driving the boom, and what can be done to help young businesses succeed. 

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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The number of people starting new businesses in the United States and in Minnesota shot up this summer and fall. Why now?

Starting a new business during the pandemic

Signage notes COVID-19 guidelines in a store at the Mall of America 

Starting a new business during the pandemic

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