An entrepreneur (right) receives a business license during a ceremony in Yuhang district, Hangzhou, on March 31, marking the milestone of one million registered individual businesses in the city [Photo/Tide News]

Ye Zexia, owner of a guesthouse in Yuhang district, received her business license from Hangzhou's administration for market regulation on March 31.

Ye said the process took just one week from securing a location to obtaining her license. "I submitted everything online and never had to visit a service window," she said. "Every step was supported. I truly felt the warmth and efficiency of doing business in Hangzhou."

The milestone reflects a decade of pro-business policies and streamlined services aimed at easing entry for entrepreneurs. Since 2015, the number of individual businesses in Hangzhou has surged from 386,100 to 1 million — a growth of roughly 159 percent.

Hangzhou's strategy has focused on digital applications, reduced bureaucracy, and targeted support for small businesses. Ye, surprised to be the millionth registrant, called the experience "fast and worry-free", adding that newcomers to the city should feel confident starting a business.