U.S. Adds Nearly 3.5 Million New Businesses in Record-Setting First Half of 2026

Key Facts

Published: July 19, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Registered Agents Inc. June 2026 Business Report; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• The United States added 3,493,381 new businesses during the first six months of 2026.
• June business formations reached 548,060, exceeding the June 2021 post-pandemic surge.
• New business creation increased 12% compared with the first half of 2025.
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Entrepreneurs Push Ahead Despite Inflation, High Interest Rates and Global Uncertainty

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Americans launched nearly 3.5 million new businesses during the first half of 2026, signaling continued confidence in free enterprise despite inflation, elevated interest rates and instability in global markets.

According to a June business formation report from Registered Agents Inc., the United States recorded 3,493,381 new businesses between January and June, a 12% increase over the same period in 2025. That represents 442,415 additional businesses compared with the first half of last year.

June alone produced 548,060 new business formations, surpassing both the post-pandemic surge recorded in June 2021 and the 490,265 businesses formed in June 2025.

“June capped off a truly remarkable first half of the year for entrepreneurship in America,” said Molly Cavanah, vice president of Revenue Growth and Data at Registered Agents Inc.

Cavanah said the record-breaking activity demonstrated the confidence and determination of Americans willing to pursue ownership even while confronting economic headwinds.

The growth came as inflation cooled to 3.5% in June from 4.2% in May, although economists warned that renewed conflict involving Iran could again raise energy prices and inflation.

Oregon recorded the strongest year-over-year percentage growth in June, rising 53%, followed by Mississippi at 46% and North Dakota at 44%. Florida, Texas and California led the nation in the total number of businesses formed during the period.

The report found that 43% of surveyed owners believed their businesses were stronger than they were one year earlier.

“The baseline level of American entrepreneurship has structurally shifted upward,” the report concluded, describing business formation as an important sign of economic resilience and individual financial independence.

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