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RESEARCH Longevity

Longevity

A large share of small businesses are young businesses.

51 percent of small businesses are 10 years old or less, and 32 percent of small businesses are 5 years old or less.

Source: US Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics, 2014

Roughly a third of new businesses exit within their first two years, and half exit within their first five years.

New businesses that exit within...

1 year 21.4%
2 years 31.4%
3 years 38.4%
4 years 44.0%
5 years 48.9%

Note: Figures represent survival rates for businesses started in 2010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics

The survival rate of new businesses has been remarkably consistent over time.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics