Entrepreneurs have been taking the plunge and making their dreams become reality despite the cost of living crisis.
And the risk seems to have paid off for the many who amassed a strong following both off and online before the close of the year, with people taking to social media to shower them with praise and support.
From food and drink venues to a gaming arcade, here is a list of some of our readers’ favourite new businesses, in no particular order:
1. Arcade Club
The Arcade Club opened its doors in the former Sam Thai casino in Bloomfield Road in June, bringing back retro classics while also offering modern gaming all under one roof. Photo: Daniel Martino
2. Cask micropub
Paul Gabbitas and Paul Fowler opened Cask micropub on Red Bank Road in Bispham in November. It's the sister premises to Cask in Layton. Photo: Daniel Martino
3. The Vault Bar & Lounge
The Vault, a bar based in the premises of the former Barclays Bank in Cleveleys, opened its doors in April. Reader Joanne Benson said it's "just what Cleveleys needed". Photo: Daniel Martino
4. Cafe Meow
Rick Marsh and Katie Buchanan opened Cafe Meow in Birley Street. It's Blackpool's first cat cafe - a place where customers can enjoy a coffee or light meal in cat themed surroundings and in the presence of some friendly cats Photo: Daniel Martino
5. Hideout 13 cafe
Hideout 13 opened as a new cafe on Talbot Road, Blackpool, in November last year. It's open Mondays to Sundays, except Tuesdays - and offers its popular Yorkshire pudding wraps as part of its Sunday menu. Photo: Hideout 13
6. APEX Cycleworks
You don't necessarily have to wear lycra to visit Lytham’s first cycle cafe and bike repair workshop. Laura Welton and James White, directors of APEX Cycleworks Cafe on Bath Road, opened the cycle cafe with adjoining bike workshop in June to to act as a hub for the cycling community. Photo: Daniel Martino