CFT Cycles owner Cliff Taylor changes the air cleaner on a 2019 Harley-Davidson Road Glide at his shop at 511 N. Fourth Ave. in Juniata. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

While there are a number of challenges facing those looking to start their own business, there are also a number of advantages to being your own boss — from setting your own schedule and spending more time with family to taking on a job that you love and want to share with others.

Clifford Taylor, who recently opened CFT Cycles on North Fourth Avenue, said he wanted to spend time with his family without having to ask a boss for time off.

With two children, ages 13 and 6, “this would give me freedom to go to their events,” he said.

Taylor’s CFT Cycles, at 511 N. Fourth Ave., is a full repair motorcycle shop, specializing in major and minor repairs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and custom parts.

“I enjoy the freedom of not having to answer to someone else,” he said. “I take great pride in figuring things out myself and finding a solution.”

Another new business owner, Lindzie Miles opened ACCEL Fitness LLC at 1807 Ninth Ave. Her boutique fitness studio specializes in rhythm cycling, strength training and recovery-focused classes.

The goal, Miles said, was to create a fitness experience that combines high-energy workouts, a strong sense of community and a welcoming environment for people of all fitness levels.

“I saw an opportunity to build something that was both results-driven and relationship-focused, where members felt supported, motivated and excited to show up,” Miles said.

Taylor’s motorcycle shop and Miles’ fitness studio are just two of the millions of small businesses that have been opening up across the country in recent years.

According to the National Association for the Self-Employed, more than 5.62 million new business applications were filed in 2025 — adding to the more than 21 million filed in the four years prior.

“The numbers speak for themselves — more than 26 million new small business applications have been filed over the last five years, and the momentum is only accelerating,” said John Hearrell, vice president of membership and affiliate programs for the self-employed association.

“These entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our economy, powering innovation, creating jobs, and embodying the resilience that defines the American spirit,” he said.

Locally, inquiries on starting a small business have increased slightly since the beginning of the year, said Jeffrey Boldizar, director of the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center.

Hospitality-type businesses, including restaurants and food trucks are popular, he said, as are various counseling services, online stores/markets, lawn care/landscaping and fitness/exercise businesses, he said.

There are also creative entrepreneurs, such as artists and crafters, looking to get into the small business scene, Boldizar said.

The reasons to start a new business vary.

“Some are exploring a new business to generate extra income for their household. Some are worried about losing their job and want to have cover in case they do. Some want to start for the flexibility of working remotely and having control over their own schedule,” he said.

Challenges exist

Surprisingly, perhaps, is the fact that Artificial Intelligence helps prospective entrepreneurs by providing information quickly.

Boldizar said would-be business owners have access to much more information today than previously. The emergence of AI has made it easier for people to access information and create content — tasks that previously cost time and money, he said.

“AI has made it easier in many instances,” Boldizar said.

But, he cautions, there are also a number of challenges to starting a new business, with funding one of the biggest obstacles to overcome.

“Higher interest rates and tightening credit requirements make it tougher to access capital,” he said, noting many prospective business owners lack their own financial resources to invest into a new business.

Another challenge is the lack of understanding the market for the entrepreneur’s product or service.

Not knowing who potential customers are or how to reach them is one challenge, Boldizar said, along with not understanding that marketing a business takes money.

“Using only free marketing or social media marketing may not be enough for some businesses,” he said.

Miles, who opened her business May 1, also works full time as a human resources business partner in the health care industry.

“One of the biggest challenges was managing the transition from an existing brand to a completely new business while maintaining member trust and excitement,” she said. “There were many moving pieces, from branding and marketing to operations and technology, but staying focused on the vision and the community helped make the transition successful.”

Taylor, who opened a small business several years ago that did not succeed, said his biggest challenge was “not being scared.”

“I am still terrified,” Taylor said.

Help to get started

Both Miles and Taylor contacted the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center for help in starting their businesses.

“They provided valuable support with business planning, startup considerations and resources that helped me navigate the process more confidently,” Miles said. “Having access to experienced advisors gave me clarity and reassurance during a major transition.”

Taylor said Boldizar helped him with organization, what to expect and helped prepare him for things he might run into, especially with the financial part.

“He helped me organize,” Taylor said. “My previous experience helped me so things were not a surprise. The financial angle was the biggest help; he helped with any questions I had.”

An analysis of Google search trends shows that searches for “how to start a business” reached 1.2 million in the past month, rising 7% month-on-month, according to the self-employed association.

That doesn’t surprise Boldizar, who expects the trend in small-business startups to continue.

“People are always looking to start businesses whether that be to find a secondary income or to better their main source of income. Technology has made information on starting a business more accessible, and the depth of the information is much more that it was only a few years ago,” Boldizar said.

“People are always coming up with new ideas or ways to improve existing products/services, which in turn can provide business opportunities,” he said. “As the owners of small businesses look to retire, this presents opportunities for individuals to purchase existing businesses.”

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.