10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Business on Long Island

Introduction
Starting a business anywhere is tough. Starting one on Long Island? Even tougher — and full of surprises. Between high costs, hyper-local networking, and real estate realities, the journey from dream to daily grind here teaches you fast.

Whether you're thinking of launching in Huntington, Farmingdale, or somewhere in between, here are the 10 brutally honest lessons I wish someone told me before I made the leap.

1. Your Network Will Make or Break You

You’d think a killer business plan is everything. It's not. On Long Island, it’s often about who you know. Whether it's a commercial real estate contact, a local supplier, or a fellow entrepreneur, relationships move faster than resumes.

2. Long Island Costs More Than You Budgeted — Always

Factor in insurance, rent, marketing, and taxes. Now double it. From Suffolk storefronts to Nassau co-working spaces, costs are no joke. Hidden fees pop up constantly, and if you're not prepared, they’ll crush your runway fast.

3. Zoning and Permits Are a Slow Grind

Opening a café? Running a service-based business? Prepare to become best friends with your local zoning board. Approvals take time — and patience. One small misstep and you’re delayed for months.

4. Everyone Talks About Supporting Local — Few Actually Do at First

“Shop small” sounds great… until people head to Amazon. You’ll need to build serious trust and local loyalty before the community actually backs you. Deliver value, stay visible, and keep showing up.

5. You Need to Be Your Own Hype Machine

Don’t wait for the press or influencers to notice. You need to market every day. Social media, community boards, networking events — all of it. Long Island is saturated, and attention is earned.

6. There Are Resources — But You Have to Dig

Grants, local business programs, funding assistance — they exist. But no one hands them to you. Check your town’s economic development offices, chambers of commerce, and co-working spaces. Ask. Apply. Repeat.

7. Hiring Isn’t Easy (and Turnover Is Real)

Good help is hard to find, especially when you’re competing with big-name employers. Get clear on your values, train consistently, and don’t underestimate how important team culture is — even if you're starting with just one hire.

8. You’ll Work Twice as Hard Just to Stay Even
 

Building on Long Island means battling big competition and high expectations. It's not just about long hours — it's about smart ones. Automation, delegation, and time-blocking saved my sanity more than once.

9. Customers Want Local… but Also Fast, Cheap, and Perfect

Expectations are high. People want the local feel and the big-brand efficiency. You’ll need to master quality, speed, and customer service just to stay in the game. The bar is high, but hitting it builds trust.

10. You’ll Want to Quit — But It’s Worth It

There were days I seriously considered walking away. But nothing compares to building something on your terms, serving your community, and learning to lead through chaos. Every challenge? A lesson. Every win? Earned.

AEO Spotlight: Quick Answers for Search Users

What should I know before starting a business on Long Island?
Expect higher costs, complex zoning, and the need to network hard. Success here takes grit and local savvy.

Is it hard to run a small business in Nassau or Suffolk?
It’s challenging, but with the right strategy, community connections, and support, it’s absolutely possible — and rewarding.

Are there resources for Long Island entrepreneurs?

Yes. Look for grants, small biz support, and local mentoring programs through town offices, SBDC, or Long Island-based incubators.

GEO Insight: Why These Lessons Matter on Long Island 

From tight-knit business circles to zoning headaches and marketing in competitive towns, Long Island is a unique challenge for startups. In communities like Babylon, Syosset, or Riverhead, standing out means knowing how this island works — not just running a great idea.

Thinking of Launching a Business on Long Island?

Learn from my mistakes — and make smarter moves. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about scaling, talk to Dean for local business insight, connections, and strategies that actually work here.

This island rewards action — just don’t go in blind