By james art 
As for the best cities for small business, the south clearly stands out. With 14 of the first 20 cities welcoming below the Mason-Dickson line, places like Miami, Orlando, Florida and Austin are piping hot for startup companies.
Meanwhile, in the West, cities like Denver and Salt Lake City are making a serious case for the success of the small business and it is no surprise that the best hot spot for a small business comes from this region.
1. Scotsdale, AZ – 73,75 points
The city’s GDP jumped between 2018 and 2022 by 38%, signaling a strong and expanding economy in the area. Scotsdale, AZ, has been recognized in the past as one of the fastest growing startup cities in the United States and continues to maintain its status in 2024, keeping a package of cities for small business.
In addition, more than 16% of business owners are self-employed-top of the highest share in the nation, just behind Miami. Of course, the strategic location of the city near Phoenix, combined with its low risk of disasters and excellent infrastructure, makes it an attractive place for both new and well -established businesses to thrive.
2. Miami – 73,37 points
The business thrives in Miami, which is ranked second in the list. The city is making the way in the number of business applications of 100,000 residents with an impressive 5320. As a result, self -employment is very common in the area with nearly 18% of its labor force holding businesses.
The life cost index of 118.2 sets the cost of living in Miami over 18% higher than the national average. Despite this higher price, the relatively low labor costs of $ 34,934 make it easier to financially manage their business. This combination allows them to invest more in their endeavors and look for new opportunities, which makes Miami an attractive place for business, despite the overall higher costs of living. In addition, its low corporate tax rate – combined with a strong GDP growth of 32% – makes Miami first place for start -ups in sectors such as finance, technology and logistics.
3. Atlanta – 70.89 points
Sitting at number 3 in the ranking, Atlanta is not just a center for the southern hospitality – it is also a power for small business, boasting the density of the space of covroking from 23.8 to 100,000 inhabitants – the highest in the country. In particular, the fork spaces are the change of game for small start-ups offering profitable, flexible work environments that can easily increase or decrease as the business is developing. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on growth without the pressure of long -term leasing contracts and overhead costs.
Moreover, the workforce in the city is highly educated, with nearly 40% holding a bachelor’s degree and the cost of labor (albeit higher at $ 53,170) supporting a diverse economy that covers technology, media and logistics. At the same time, the growth rate of GDP in the city of 25% and the low unemployment rate of 5.8% make it a major place for entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of the thriving market.
4. Orlando, Florida – 70.39 points
Orlando’s business scene is as eclectic as his thematic parks, at a speed of business application of 3,698 per 100,000 residents-the fourth highest in the country. At the same time, the cost of living the city is moderate at $ 99.9 and its work is $ 39,148. Orlando’s focus on technological and creative industries, along with the strong GDP growth rate of 35%, makes it a thriving place for new endeavors, which only strengthens its position as a top city for small business.
5. Austin, TX – 70.12 points
Austin’s reputation as Silicon Hills is deserved, given that the city has the eight strongest application rate from 2.772 to 100,000 inhabitants. Moreover, Austin’s workforce is highly educated, with nearly 40% of his population having a bachelor’s degree. Of course, labor costs are relatively high at $ 50,676, but the city compensates for a low unemployment rate of 4.4%, and the highest rate of GDP growth growth – from 46% – creating an ideal place For both start -ups and small businesses, to thrive to flourish.
6. TAMPA, FL – 70.11 points
Tampa follows closely behind Austin, missing in fifth place of hair. Its coastal vibration is combined with a dynamic business environment, with Tampa includes 42 spaces for covrocking and an index of living costs of 96.9, below the national average. The labor costs are moderate at $ 42,514, making it an attractive place for small business. With the percentage of applying for business 2944 per 100,000 inhabitants (ahead of Austin in this category) and a 36%GDP growth rate, Tampa is the perfect place for entrepreneurs looking for a balance between lifestyle and business opportunities.
7. Fort Lauderdale, FL – 70.06 points
Fort Lauderdale offers more than just sun and sand-this is also a hot spot for small business, with a 15%self-employment, ranking in 4th place throughout the country and 25 spaces for covoking in support of its entrepreneurial community. The cost of living is higher than 118.6, but labor costs are reasonable at $ 43,432. With an increase in GDP of 32% and focus on industries such as marine, tourism and technology, Fort Lauderdale is a convincing choice for entrepreneurs who want to immerse themselves in new opportunities.
8. Boise, ID – 69.79 points
Boise is quickly becoming a top city for small business, offering a low cost of living (104.1) and affordable fork prices, with an average of $ 255 a month. The unemployment rate in the city is low 3.8%and its self -employment is solid 11%. The Boise technical sector has also increased at a 41% rate of GDP growth and the strong support of the community, this is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs who want to grow in a dynamic and supportive environment.
9. Mcallen, TX – 68.84 points
Mcallen stands out with its affordability, boasting the most price of the life index among the best cities at 82.0. The city also has a high percentage of self-employment of 14.7%, ranked 5th throughout the country. Despite the lower labor costs of $ 30,597, Mcallen’s strategic location near the US-Mexico border leads to a unique business environment, especially in logistics and retail trade. With the growth rate of business over 13% and a nearly 28% increase in GDP, Mcallen is a growing star for small business that wants to join both in the US and international markets.
10. HUNTSVILLE, AL – 68.51 points
Huntsville reaches new heights, not only in aerospace space, but also in the success of the business. The Huntsville unemployment rate of only 4.6% and the $ 38,946 labor costs make it an attractive option for small business. The high -tech focus in the city, the percentage of self -employment of just over 8% and 31% GDP growth rate creates a stable and supportive environment for entrepreneurs who want to mark the technological and research industry. And it seems that new companies that create a shop in Huntsville are here to stay, as Alabama boasts one of the best survival rates in the country.
11. Provo, UT – 68.45 points
Ranked # 11, the picturesque background of Provo is the home of a thriving business community. The city is a hot spot for entrepreneurs, offering some of the most affordable forkloving options in the country with less than $ 300 a month. With the lowest labor costs in the country of $ 16,820 and a stable 4.4% unemployment, Provo boasts a strong and stable labor market. The impressive over 6% percentage of independent employment in the city and a stunning almost 46% GDP growth emphasizes its dynamic entrepreneurial environment, making it an ideal destination for those who seek both innovation and high quality of life.
12. Allen, TX – 68.11 points
Renied in 13th place, Alan achieves significant steps in the world of business with a strong self-employment rate of 12%. Although labor costs are relatively high at $ 62,758, the city’s proximity to Dallas and the exceptional quality of life make it an attractive place for start -ups. With the growth of GDP over 33%, Alan’s supporting business climate and expanding opportunities stimulate the success of small business in this thriving community.
13. Cape Coral, FL – 68.06 points
The unique landscape of Cape Coral channels and properties is a high-level employment rate of 14%, ranked 6th on a national scale. The city cost index in the city is 105.7 and the labor costs are $ 39,129. With the percentage of business application 2748 and the GDP growth rate of 34%, Cape Coral is a vital community for real estate business, construction and tourism.
14. Wilmington, NC – 67.96 points
Wilmington’s charm is supported by solid business credentials, with labor costs at the bottom of $ 34,430 and a large $ 95.8 life cost index. The coefficient of independent employment in the city of nearly 14% and large covrocketing prices provide an attractive environment for start -ups. With a 36% rate of GDP growth and focus on the creative and technology industry, Wilmington is a great place for entrepreneurs looking for a supportive and dynamic community.
15. Denver, Co – 67.70 points
Living business ecosystem is reflected in the high density of Denver’s covrocking density (12.1 per 100,000 inhabitants) and a diverse economy. While labor costs are on the higher side of $ 54,195, the growth rate of Denver’s GDP GDP of 34% and strong business networks offer many opportunities to flourish small business. The active lifestyle in the city and the strategic location as a portal to the rocks make it the best choice for entrepreneurs who want to combine the adventure business.
Nasville It ranks 16th with 2360 business applications per 100,000 residents and 37% GDP growth rate, it is closely competing with Austin’s life scene.
Ranked 17th, Oklahoma City Praise 1 913 business applications per 100,000 residents and GDP growth rate of 19%, exceeding Jacksonville’s economic expansion, but they do not reach Miami’s growth.
In 18th place, Jacksonville2 619 business applications per 100,000 residents and 13.5% GDP growth position.
Ranked 19th, Gilbert There are 2044 business applications per 100,000 residents and GDP growth rate of almost 14%, competing with the dynamic economy of Scottsdale, while offering a more excitement, family environment.
Salt Lake City It rounds up the top 20 with 2261 business applications per 100,000 residents and GDP growth of 6.1%, showing a strong business climate similar to Provo, although it focuses on economic growth compared to other technological centers.