Four Chicago Businesses Are Among Yelp’s ‘Top 100 Local Businesses’ in the US – NBC Chicago
Four Chicago businesses were recognized as “Locally Loved” during National Small Business Week, achieving a notable ranking.
Chicago Pet Sitters, Windy City Wedding Dance, Rogers Park Provisions and Play were all named to Yelp’s “Top 100 Local Businesses List,” released to coincide with the annual week celebrating the impacts of small businesses on communities.
All four businesses rank highly among users “for their ability to shape community identities, fuel economies, and most importantly, foster a sense of belonging among residents,” according to Yelp.
“We were so excited,” said Amber Waggoner, manager of Windy City Wedding Dance.
The studio was founded in 2013 and has since grown to include four locations.
Instructors specialize in ballroom dancing, primarily teaching newly engaged couples.
“We stay connected with our students in a way that no other major studio can,” Wagoner said.
Yelp selected the companies by first identifying independently owned and operated businesses in the automotive sector; beauty; books, magazines, music and video; physical fitness and exercise; fashion; food; House decoration; home repairs and renovations; children’s activities and petcare categories.
Yelp told NBC Chicago that it ranked businesses within each category using a number of factors, including total volume and review ratings.
“I was impressed,” said Maclin Schweger, manager of Rogers Park Provisions. “Despite all the hard work we put into a place like this, it feels really good to be recognized, especially being a small company like we are.”
The store is a modern “general store” with locally and regionally curated products.
“Support local as much as you can, whenever you can, because it really makes a difference. We are your neighbors. We are here for you as much as you are here for us,” said Schweger.
Play has four locations spread across the city and 18 employees.
“We try to do unique and different things that represent the city and our neighborhoods,” said owner Ann Kienzle. “Small businesses are the fabric of a community. We bring culture, diversity, character and charm, all those things to the neighborhood that make it special.”
The U.S. is experiencing a “small business boom,” according to the Small Business Administration.
The SBA says more than 17 million new business applications have been filed since 2020. Illinois has seen 42,000 so far in 2024, and businesses are starting at rates faster than pre-pandemic levels.
A small business is defined as having fewer than 500 employees. However, almost 70% are under 20.
“They create two-thirds of the jobs in America,” said Geri Aglipay, SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator. “Every time a small business starts, it is an act of hope. It is also a symbol of confidence in the US economy.”
Small Business Week runs from April 28 to May 4, according to officials.
