We learn two things from a recent study by NerdWallet.com:
- Tampa is the sixth-best U.S. city for starting a business.
- There's a NerdWallet.com.
The price comparison website recently calculated the best cities to start a small business, taking into account loan availability, per capita income, small business-friendliness rating and other factors.
Our own Cigar City ranked at No. 6 on the survey of 42 metro areas. Here's the explanation:
Tampa’s population is growing by 3% a year, and community banks are willing to lend to small businesses. $80 million was lent from Tampa community banks in small C&I loans in 2012. The city boasts a thriving business climate, and there are 11.5 businesses per 100 residents in Tampa. Additionally, the University of South Florida College of Business hosts a Small Business Development Center, offering university-driven business information and market research as well as regular training and consulting.
Here's the full top 10:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Austin, Texas
- Tulsa, Okalahoma
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Tampa, Florida
- Seattle, Washington
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Houston, Texas
- Omaha, Nebraska
Small business owners, do you agree with the findings? Weigh in at Facebook.com/WUSF.
