Is Long Island a good place to start a business?

A business professional works in a modern office, representing the entrepreneurial spirit and diverse business community found across Long Island. With access to a large regional market, a skilled workforce, and proximity to New York City, the island continues to attract startups, small businesses, and established companies across a wide range of industries. File photo: Mix and Match Studio, licensed.

Yes, Long Island can be an excellent place to start a business, particularly for entrepreneurs seeking access to one of the nation’s largest consumer markets. Its proximity to New York City, highly educated workforce, strong transportation network, and diverse economy create opportunities across many industries, although business owners should also consider higher operating costs and taxes.

In Short

Long Island offers access to millions of potential customers, a skilled workforce, major airports, research institutions, and a strong small-business community. Popular industries include healthcare, technology, professional services, construction, hospitality, retail, tourism, and manufacturing.

Is Long Island a Good Place to Start a Business?

Long Island’s location is one of its greatest advantages. Businesses benefit from immediate access to customers throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and the greater New York metropolitan area. This large regional market provides opportunities for businesses serving both consumers and other businesses.

The island also benefits from an educated workforce, respected colleges and universities, research institutions, and modern transportation infrastructure. Access to the Long Island Rail Road, major highways, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Long Island MacArthur Airport helps businesses connect with customers, employees, and suppliers.

Many successful businesses on Long Island operate in healthcare, construction, technology, tourism, hospitality, professional services, finance, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture. The island’s beaches, wineries, parks, and vibrant downtowns also support a thriving visitor economy that benefits restaurants, hotels, retailers, and entertainment venues.

Entrepreneurs should also consider the challenges of operating on Long Island. Commercial real estate, labor, insurance, utilities, and property taxes can be higher than in many other parts of the country. Careful planning and market research are important when evaluating potential business opportunities.

Quick Facts

Business Advantage	General Information
Large Customer Base	Access to millions of consumers across Long Island and the New York metropolitan area.
Transportation	Major highways, the Long Island Rail Road, ferries, and three nearby commercial airports support business travel and logistics.
Growing Industries	Healthcare, technology, education, tourism, professional services, construction, retail, manufacturing, and scientific research.
Business Challenges	Higher operating costs, commercial real estate prices, labor expenses, insurance, and property taxes than many other regions.
Best Fit	Businesses that benefit from a large regional market, skilled workforce, and proximity to New York City.

For entrepreneurs willing to navigate its higher operating costs, Long Island offers access to one of the nation’s largest regional economies, a highly educated workforce, and millions of potential customers. These advantages continue to make the island an attractive place to launch and grow businesses across a wide range of industries.