The Best Cities for Small Business

There’s not a city in America that isn’t home to small business. But what cities give these entrepreneurial endeavors the best opportunity to grow and thrive?

The answer to that question depends on what standards you use, but a new report from Small Business Trends ranks cities by looking at where small businesses play a valuable role in the local economy. The ranking also takes into account factors including “industry clusters, lifestyle, infrastructure, costs, workforce availability,” and proximity to a lively community of entrepreneurs.

Using these methods, Miami, Florida was ranked as the best city for small businesses. In fact, small business owners make up 2.20 percent of the city’s growing population, which contributes to a friendly environment for enterprise. Entrepreneurs in Miami largely operate in the professional, scientific, and legal services.

Here is the full 2019 ranking from Small Business Trends:

1. Miami, FL – 134,332 small business owners (2.20% of population)

2. New York, NY – 411,323 small business owners (2.03% of population)

3. Portland, OR – 44,407 small business owners (1.83% of population)

4. Los Angeles, CA – 243,461 small business owners (1.83% of population)

5. San Francisco, CA – 84,324 small business owners (1.79% of population)

6. Denver, CO – 50,619 small business owners (1.77% of population)

7. Seattle, WA – 66,393 small business owners (1.75% of population)

8. Salt Lake City, UT – 20,320 small business owners (1.71% of population)

9. Boston, MA – 81,517 small business owners (1.70% of population)

10. Oklahoma City, OK – 22,969 small business owners (1.67% of population)