By JASON JANAWKSY //
Each year, the White House designates November as National Entrepreneurship Month, celebrating risk-takers who set out on their own.
The month is ripe for reflecting on the resilient spirit of American entrepreneurship – a spirit that drives our economy and fuels our communities. Small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce and represent 43.5 percent of America’s GDP.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, that entrepreneurial spirit remained alive and well as small-business owners reimagined their business models online, adapted and innovated. And as recent business-creation data shows, that spirit continues to thrive.
Research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce finds that entrepreneurship is on the rise. A record-breaking 5.4 million new-business applications were filed in 2021, with another 5.1 million filed in 2022.
Jason Janawsky: Innovating good in the neighborhood.
And when it comes to adopting digital-technology platforms – including social media like Facebook and Instagram – the chamber reports that 95 percent of small businesses use at least one technology platform, and that high-tech usage correlates with growth in sales, employment and profits.
My story is a mere footnote among millions that highlight the vital role of small enterprises – and following your entrepreneurial ambitions.
Starting out in my early 20s with a Long Island-based irrigation business, I quickly learned the importance of adaptability. This early venture laid the foundation for my entry into the hospitality industry, where my business partners and I – along with my wife, Katch – embraced the challenge of creating unique, lively bars and restaurants across New York City and Long Island.
Each establishment – from Harlem Public to The Rust & Gold to 1653 Pizza Co. to my latest, Buoy 35 – is not merely a bar or restaurant. They’re unfolding stories. And they’re designed to add something new and unique to their neighborhoods.
The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for small businesses, especially the restaurant and bar industry. It shuttered doors and rewrote the rules of engagement. It was during this time that we had to rely on our instincts and start innovating.
Nothing small about it: In the United States, small business is anything but. (Source: Small Business Administration)
We pivoted, transforming the Rust & Gold concept into The Rolling Gold, a mobile bar that brought our establishment to the streets of Huntington. This new venture (picture an adult version of the classic ice cream truck) wasn’t just a business adaptation; it was a reimagining of how to connect with our community and make our customers happy in times of adversity.
Through our social media feeds, we were able to tell people where the truck would be on a given day. People started calling to have us cater their outdoor, socially distanced get-togethers. The truck remains an integral part of the business today.
A key component of adapting during the pandemic was the necessity for small-business owners to embrace technology. In an era where digital presence is paramount, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are critical infrastructure and fundamental business tools.
However, it’s vital to remember that these platforms are not just for marketing – they are for authentically communicating brands and values. Too many businesses fall into the trap of curating social media feeds that are aesthetically pleasing but lose the essence of what makes them unique. Our approach has always been to keep our digital narratives as authentic and engaging as our physical spaces.
Something to say: Janawsky and partner Lauren Brie Lynch aren’t just serving food and drinks at Harlem Public — they’re telling a story.
We learned valuable lessons during the pandemic that should inform the next generation of ambitious business owners: In short, continue to be adaptable, innovative and authentic.
We should embrace the latest technological advancements, not only to survive but to thrive and connect in an ever-evolving economy. Young business owners are already harnessing the Internet in ways I never thought imaginable.
As we celebrate National Entrepreneurship Month, let’s remember that our journey is not just about individual success, but about contributing to a larger narrative of innovation and resilience.
Entrepreneurship should be about community. As entrepreneurs, we all face similar roadblocks and have lots to learn from each other. Embrace change, leverage technology and, most importantly, stay true to your vision.
The American entrepreneurial spirit is not just alive – it’s booming!
Jason Janawsky is a Long Island native and entrepreneur with businesses across Long Island and New York City, including At The Wallace, The Honey Well, Northend Food Hall, Sully’s Wharf, The Wayward Kitchen & Cocktails and Bodhi’s Beach Shack.
