Close In this Sept. 2, 2020 file photo, a passer-by walks past a business storefront with a space for rent sign in a window in Boston. Business applications were the highest on record in 2020, up 24% from the previous year. You may be considering joining that trend if you donât want to return to an office or were laid off during the pandemic. Steven Senne - The Associated Press File Photo By AMRITA JAYAKUMAR NerdWallet