Four Chicago businesses were recognized as “Locally Loved” during National Small Business Week, earning a noteworthy ranking.
Pet Sitters in ChicagoWindy City Wedding Dance, Rogers Park Provisions and Play were listed on Yelp”List of Top 100 Local Businesses“, published to coincide with the annual week celebrating the impacts of smaller businesses on communities.
The four companies rank highly among users “for their ability to shape communities’ identities, boost economies and, most importantly, foster a sense of belonging among residents,” according to Yelp.
“We were really excited,” said Amber Wagoner, manager of Windy City Wedding Dance.
The studio was established in 2013 and has since grown to include four locations.
Instructors specialize in ballroom dancing, particularly teaching newly engaged couples.
“We stay connected with our students in a way I don’t think any other big studio does,” Wagoner said.
Yelp selected the companies by first identifying independently owned and operated businesses in the automotive sector; beauty; books, magazines, music and videos; physical fitness and exercise; fashion; food; home decor; home repair and renovation; kids activities and pet care categories.
Yelp tells NBC Chicago that it then ranked businesses within each category using a number of factors, including total volume and review ratings.
“I was impressed,” said Maclin Schweger, director of Rogers Park Supplies. “For all the hard work we put into a place like this, it’s really nice to be recognized, especially being a small business like we are.”
The store is a modern “general store” with locally and regionally selected products.
“Support local as much as you can, as often as you can because it really makes a difference. We are your neighbors. We are here for you as much as you are here for us,” Schweger said. .
Play It has four locations throughout the city and 18 employees.
“We try to do things that are unique and different that represent the city and our neighborhoods,” said owner Ann Kienzle. “Small businesses are the fabric of a community. We bring culture, diversity, character and charm, all those things to the neighborhood that make it special.”
The United States is experiencing a “small business boom,” according to the Small Business Administration.
The SBA says more than 17 million new business applications have been filed since 2020. Illinois has seen 42,000 so far in 2024, and businesses are starting at a faster pace than pre-pandemic levels.
A small business is defined as one that has fewer than 500 employees. However, almost 70% are under 20.
“They create two-thirds of the jobs in the United States,” said Geri Aglipay, SBA Great Lakes regional administrator. “Any time you start a small business, it is an act of hope. It is also a symbol of confidence in the American economy.”
small business week It will be held from April 28 to May 4, according to officials.