Four Chicago businesses were recognized as “Local Beloved” during National Small Business Week, earning them a spot in notable rankings.
Chicago Pet Sitters, Windy City Wedding Dance, and Rogers Park Provisions and Play were all named to Yelp's Top 100 Local Businesses list, released in conjunction with the annual week celebrating the impact of small businesses on their communities .
All four companies are ranked highly among users for their “ability to shape community identity, revitalize the economy, and most importantly foster a sense of belonging among residents,” according to Yelp.
“We were really excited,” said Windy City Wedding Dance Manager Amber Wagoner.
The studio was founded in 2013 and has since grown to four locations.
Instructors specialize in ballroom dancing, especially for newly engaged couples.
“We stay connected to our students in a way that I don’t think other big studios can,” Wagoner said.
Yelp selected businesses by first identifying independently owned and operated businesses in the automotive sector. Beauty; books, magazines, music, videos. fitness and exercise; fashion; food; home decor; home repair and renovation. Kids activities and pet care categories.
Yelp told NBC Chicago that it uses a variety of factors, including total review volume and ratings, to rank businesses within each category.
“I was just blown away,” said Maclyn Schweger, manager of Rogers Park Provisions. “It’s so nice to be recognized after all the hard work we put into a place like this, especially when we’re a small business.”
This shop is a modern “general store'' that carefully selects local and regional ingredients.
“Let's go out and support local as much as we can, as often as we can, because it really makes a difference. We're your neighbors. Just like you're here for us, we're here for you.” are here for you,” Schwager said. .
Play has four locations in the city and 18 employees.
“We're trying to do something unique and different that represents the city and the neighborhood,” owner Ann Kienzle said. “Small businesses are the bedrock of our communities. We bring to our region everything that makes our region special: culture, diversity, character and charm.”
According to the Small Business Administration, the United States is experiencing a “small business boom.”
The SBA says more than 17 million new business applications have been filed since 2020. Businesses are starting at a faster pace than pre-pandemic levels in Illinois, with 40,200 cases to date in 2024.
Small businesses are defined as those with fewer than 500 employees. However, nearly 70% are less than 20.
“They generate two-thirds of America's jobs,” said Geri Agripay, SBA's Great Lakes regional administrator. “Every time a small business starts a business, it's an act of hope. It's also a symbol of faith in the American economy.”
According to officials, Small Business Week will be observed from April 28 to May 4.
