You might be wondering ‘how many small businesses fail’. I understand the fear! But not to worry you can find everything you’re looking for in this article concerning how many small businesses fail.

Are you here because you want to know ‘how many small businesses fail?’ or ‘how many small businesses fail.’ This is a question that might seem confusing but two sets of people need this information.

If you came here because you want to know ‘how many small businesses fail-ed?’ – means that you want to know what made those small businesses fail in the past and you are here to learn from their mistakes, you shouldn’t bounce out yet.

You on the other hand that has visited this site because you want to know ‘how many small businesses fail-ed.’ stay tuned because you are yet to find out.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons how many small businesses fail, as well as the strategies that can help entrepreneurs overcome these obstacles and build thriving, successful businesses.

Statistics of how many small businesses fail

Starting a small business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s also a risky venture that comes with many challenges. One of the most common concerns for entrepreneurs is the risk of failure, and it’s a valid one.

While there’s no doubt that starting a small business can be a path to success, the reality is that how many small businesses fail in their first few years of operation is something we all should learn from.

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), about 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and the numbers only go up from there. By the end of their fifth year, around 50% of how many small businesses will have failed, and by the end of their tenth year, around 70% will have failed.

Contrary to popular belief, not all small businesses are destined for success. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a significant percentage of new businesses fail within their first few years of operation. 843,320 new businesses were started by entrepreneurs in the year ending March 2021, as reported by the BLS.

The BLS reports that approximately 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years of being open, and that number climbs to 45% within the first five years, and 65% within the first 10 years. These statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges that entrepreneurs face when starting a new business.

Based on historical data, about 168,664 of these businesses are expected to fail within the first two years. However, with proper planning, funding, and adaptability, businesses can increase their chances of success.

However, it’s important to note that failure doesn’t have to be inevitable and that there are steps that entrepreneurs can take to increase their chances of success. By understanding the common reasons how many small businesses fail and taking proactive measures to mitigate risk, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for long-term success.

These statistics may seem daunting, but it’s important to understand how many small businesses fail and also consider the factors that contribute to small business failure, as well as the steps that entrepreneurs can take to mitigate their risk and increase their chances of success. We will discuss common mistakes made by startups and how small businesses fail. We provided small business hints and ideas that can help small businesses and also explore ways to enhance your chances of success.

Common mistakes of how many small businesses fail

1. Bad Business Plan

The basis of a successful business is a solid and realistic business plan. In the plan, you will outline achievable goals for your business, how your business can meet those goals, how many small businesses fail, and possible problems and solutions. Through research and surveys, the plan will figure out if there’s a need for the business; it will also figure out the costs and inputs needed for the business. Furthermore, the plan will outline strategies and timelines that should be implemented and met.

2. Hiring the wrong people

Thinking about how many small businesses fail? Well, hiring people will either add positive or negative results to your business. Hiring the right people can have a massive effect on nearly every area of your business, and one of the most obvious examples is sales. Confident salespeople are key to increased sales, and without enough sales, you cannot pay your team or yourself, and your business cannot grow. Additionally, businesses often fail due to inventory mismanagement, but this issue can be easily solved by hiring someone skilled in inventory management or by using good inventory management software.

3. Having the wrong mindset

Tony Robbins’ central philosophy is that our mindsets create our realities; “what we believe influences what we can achieve.” As entrepreneurs, we can transform our mindset from one of defeat to empowerment by embracing strategies for turning business failure into success. With an empowered mindset, a failing business is just the beginning, not the concluding chapter in our story. To avoid being disempowered by limiting beliefs, stay hungry in your search for success. Your hunger will inspire you and ultimately pay off in the end.

4. Lack of strategies

One of the main reasons on how many small businesses fail is a lack of effective strategies. Without a clear and well-defined plan for success, it’s easy for a small business to flounder and fail. Often, small business owners may focus too heavily on short-term gains or may not have a thorough understanding of their market and target audience. In addition, many small business owners may underestimate the amount of time, effort, and resources that are necessary to successfully grow a business.

5. Be Consistent

Consistency is key. Without a clear and well-executed strategy for being consistent, small businesses may struggle to attract and retain customers, generate consistent revenue, or effectively manage their expenses. This can lead to financial instability, which may eventually force the business to close. To stop finding answers all the time to ‘how many small businesses fail’, you need to have a competitive landscape of small businesses. It’s essential to have a comprehensive and flexible strategy that accounts for both short-term and long-term goals, as well as the challenges that may arise along the way.

How many small businesses fail in the past?

Here’s a number of how many small businesses fail;

1. Qwikster: a video rental service launched by Netflix in 2011 that was quickly shut down due to negative feedback and a lack of interest.
2. Juicero: a Silicon Valley startup that produced an expensive juicing machine that was found to be unnecessary as people could simply squeeze the juice out of the pre-made packets by hand. The company failed in 2017, less than a year after its launch.
3. Zune: a digital music player created by Microsoft to compete with the iPod that was discontinued after just one year of sales in 2007.
4. Google Glass: a wearable technology device created by Google that was discontinued in 2015 due to privacy concerns and a lack of consumer demand.
5. Bodega: a startup that aimed to replace local convenience stores with unmanned vending machines, which was met with backlash for its potential impact on small businesses. The company shut down after just six months in 2017.
6. Airtime: a social video startup created by Napster co-founders that were intended to rival platforms like Skype and Google Hangouts. The company failed in 2012, less than a year after its launch.
7. Friendster: one of the first social media platforms that failed to keep up with competitors like Facebook and MySpace. The company was forced to sell in 2009 after less than a year of struggling sales.
8. Boo.com: an online fashion retailer that burned through $135 million in funding in less than a year due to high operating costs, and was forced to shut down in 2000.
9. Segway: a personal transportation device that failed to catch on with consumers due to its high cost and impracticality. The company filed for bankruptcy less than a year after its launch in 2001.
10. Das Keyboard: a high-end computer keyboard that was marketed to hardcore gamers and typists, but failed to generate sufficient sales and shut down in 2006 after just one year.

Do 90% of small businesses fail?

The claim that 90% of businesses fail is a common misconception and is not entirely accurate. In reality, the failure rate of businesses varies depending on the industry, the size of the business, and other factors.

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA) in the United States, about 20% of new businesses fail during their first year, while around 50% fail within their first five years. However, this means that the majority of businesses do survive their first few years.

It’s important to note that failure is not always a negative outcome. Many businesses that “fail” may pivot or learn valuable lessons that help them succeed in the long run. Additionally, some entrepreneurs intentionally start and close multiple businesses as part of their career paths.

While starting a business can be risky, it’s not necessarily true that the vast majority of them fail. With proper planning, a solid strategy, and a willingness to learn and adapt, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building a successful and sustainable business.

How many small businesses fail every year?

The rate of how many small businesses fail can vary from year to year, and it depends on various factors such as the industry, location, and the economy. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the United States, the number of businesses that closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than in previous years. However, it’s important to note that some of these businesses may have closed temporarily and may reopen once conditions improve.

In general, the survival rate of how many small businesses fail has improved over the years. According to the SBA, about 80% of small businesses survive their first year, and about 50% survive their fifth year. While there are no exact figures on how many small businesses fail every year, it’s clear that starting and maintaining a successful small business requires hard work, dedication, and a solid strategy.

It’s worth noting that while some small businesses may fail, others may thrive and contribute to the growth of the economy. Small businesses are a critical part of the economic landscape, providing jobs and innovation, and supporting local communities.

Here’s what Philip VanDusen has to say about how many small businesses fail. Watch the video below;

How to avoid being among the percentage of how many small businesses that fail each year

There are several strategies that small business owners can employ to avoid being among how many small businesses that fail each year to help avoid failure and increase their chances of success. Here are some tips:

1. Develop a solid business plan: A well-developed business plan can help guide your decisions and give you a clear roadmap to follow. Your plan should outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections, and help you to identify potential obstacles and risks.
2. Understand your target audience: Understanding your target market is key to creating a product or service that meets their needs. Conduct market research to gather insights about your potential customers, including their preferences, pain points, and purchasing behavior.
3. Manage your finances carefully: It’s important to have a good understanding of your business finances and to keep track of your income and expenses. Create a budget and track your cash flow regularly to help you make informed decisions about your business.
4. Focus on customer service: Providing exceptional customer service can help you to attract and retain customers. Make sure you are responsive to customer inquiries and complaints and work to build strong relationships with your customers.
5. Stay adaptable: The business world is constantly changing, and it’s important to be flexible and adaptable in response to new challenges and opportunities. Stay informed about industry trends and be willing to pivot your business strategy when necessary.
6. Seek out support and guidance: Starting and running a small business can be challenging, and it’s important to seek out support and guidance when needed. Consider joining a business association or networking group, or seek out a mentor who can offer guidance and advice.

By following these tips on how many small businesses fail, small business owners can help to mitigate risks and increase their chances of success. However, it’s important to remember that success is never guaranteed and that there are always risks associated with starting and running a business. Need more hints and tips on how to grow your small business? Read this!