Inside Small-Business Growth: Top Industries and Other Success Secrets (Infographic) A look at the obstacles entrepreneurs are facing, their strategies for staying on top, and the industries with the most opportunities.

By Kathleen Davis

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

While only half of America's small businesses survive the first year, many entrepreneurs remain optimistic about their companies' prospects, according to research compiled by accounting software firm Intuit.

Small businesses have generated 65 percent of new jobs in the U.S. over the past 17 years, the research finds. And while small-business owners report concerns over a slow economic recovery, 68 percent feel their businesses are thriving.

Related: Entrepreneurs See Brighter Days for Their Business, Not the Economy

The secret to their success? Most say they have cut costs, strengthened existing client relationships or worked hard to find new business.

Another strategy for entrepreneurial success is tapping into the right market at the right time. Some of the top industries for small-business growth include mobile app development and green construction.

Related: 10 Best States for Starting a Business

For more on business longevity, including the U.S. cities with the most small-business job growth, take a look at the infographic below.

Click to Enlarge (+)

Wondering If You Are Right for An Angel Investor?

Kathleen Davis is the former associate editor at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

7 AI Tools to Build a Profitable One-Person Business That Runs While You Sleep

Smart systems to help solo founders scale fast.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Starting a Business

I Had 'Too Much Experience' to Find a Job. So I Used Facebook to Start a Small Business That's Making About $500,000 a Year.

After Amber Starling moved to Manhattan, Kansas, a frustrating job search led to a life-changing business opportunity.

Business News

Most Major Retailers Are Open on Memorial Day, Except One. Here's What's Open and Closed This Monday.

From grocery stores to warehouse retailers, here's what to know about Memorial Day closures.

Business News

'I Run My House Like a Military Operation': Skims Chief Emma Grede Says This Is Her Precise Daily Routine

Grede is a CEO, founder, and serial entrepreneur. Here's how she prioritizes her day.

Business News

New AI Model Will Likely Blackmail You If You Try to Shut It Down: 'Self-Preservation'

When given the choice between blackmail and being deactivated, Claude Opus 4 chose blackmail 84% of the time.