America’s 100 Hidden Gems For Startups
The below ranking shows the top 100 cities that are the best hidden gems for launching a startup business.
1
Sebring, Florida
In the top spot, Sebring distinguishes itself as a haven for startups. Nestled among scenic landscapes and home to the famous Sebring International Raceway, this Florida gem boasts a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce leads the charge, offering vital resources, mentorship, and networking events. With its affordable living costs and strong community backing, Sebring's natural beauty serves as an inspiring backdrop for budding businesses.
2
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, claiming second place, thrives as a startup hub fueled by Northern Arizona University's constant influx of talent and research opportunities. At the heart of this ecosystem lies the Moonshot (TM) incubator, empowering new ventures with essential resources, guidance, and funding connections. Entrepreneurs find themselves drawn to Flagstaff's stunning natural setting and business-friendly atmosphere, making it an unexpected hotspot for innovation.
3
Monroe, Louisiana
Healthcare, technology, and retail startups flourish in Monroe's nurturing environment, securing its place in the top rankings. Local pillars of support include the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, which offer crucial resources and networking platforms. Strategically located and boasting a lower cost of living, Monroe attracts entrepreneurs with its strong sense of community and growth potential.
4
Scranton, Pennsylvania
In fourth place, Scranton cultivates fertile ground for small business startups. Rich in history and opportunity, local initiatives spearheaded by the Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Scranton Enterprise Center provide entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding options, and collaborative workspaces. The city's strategic location and supportive community spirit create an ideal launching pad for innovative ventures.
5
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock emerges as a standout in the rankings, serving as a hotbed for small business startups within the dynamic Austin metro area. Entrepreneurs benefit from the synergy between the Round Rock Chamber and Texas State University's local campus, accessing vital resources and support. The city's vibrant economy, coupled with strong community backing, positions Round Rock as a prime destination for new business ventures.
6
San Luis Obispo, California
Innovation and sustainability drive San Luis Obispo's vibrant startup ecosystem, securing its high ranking. Anchored by California Polytechnic State University, the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship stands at the forefront, offering incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities. Entrepreneurs are drawn to the city's exceptional quality of life and supportive community, making it a beacon for forward-thinking startups.
7
Akron, Ohio
Akron, taking seventh place, leverages its industrial legacy to pave the way for a new era of innovation in business. The Bounce Innovation Hub and Greater Akron Chamber spearhead efforts to nurture startups, providing crucial resources and networking opportunities. With its affordable living costs and supportive community, Akron offers a unique blend of historical significance and future-focused entrepreneurship.
8
San Angelo, Texas
San Angelo carves out its niche in the startup world and small business ventures. Entrepreneurs find a wealth of support through the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and Angelo State University's Small Business Development Center. The city's strategic position and tight-knit community create an environment where new businesses can take root and thrive.
9
Florence, South Carolina
Florence distinguishes itself as a unique startup destination, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and small business sectors. Spearheading support efforts, the Florence Chamber of Commerce provides essential resources to nurture new ventures.
10
Alpharetta, Georgia
Alpharetta secures its spot and rounds up the top ten by fostering a vibrant environment for startups, especially in the tech sector. The Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center and local incubators play pivotal roles, offering vital support through mentoring, funding, and coworking spaces. Its strategic proximity to Atlanta, coupled with a robust tech community and exceptional quality of life, positions Alpharetta as an ideal hub for new business ventures.
| Ranking | City |
|---|---|
| 11 | Harlingen, Texas |
| 12 | Grand Junction, Colorado |
| 13 | Ocala, Florida |
| 14 | Florence, Alabama |
| 15 | Apalachicola, Florida |
| 16 | Muskegon, Michigan |
| 17 | Leesburg, Florida |
| 18 | Muncie, Indiana |
| 19 | Frederick, Maryland |
| 20 | Annapolis, Maryland |
| 21 | Milford, Delaware |
| 22 | Eureka, California |
| 23 | Fairbanks, Alaska |
| 24 | Binghamton, New York |
| 25 | Grand Island, Nebraska |
| 26 | Middletown, Delaware |
| 27 | Riverside, California |
| 28 | Alexandria, Louisiana |
| 29 | High Point, North Carolina |
| 30 | Auburn, Alabama |
| 31 | DeLand, Florida |
| 32 | Utica, New York |
| 33 | New Bedford, Massachusetts |
| 34 | Smyrna, Delaware |
| 35 | Chico, California |
| 36 | Salina, Kansas |
| 37 | Yuma, Arizona |
| 38 | York, Pennsylvania |
| 39 | Loveland, Colorado |
| 40 | Meridian, Idaho |
| 41 | St. Joseph, Missouri |
| 42 | Davis, California |
| 43 | Ventura, California |
| 44 | Beckley, West Virginia |
| 45 | Hot Springs, Arkansas |
| 46 | Roanoke, Virginia |
| 47 | Canton, Ohio |
| 48 | Cookeville, Tennessee |
| 49 | Vero Beach, Florida |
| 50 | Mansfield, Ohio |
| 51 | Tyler, Texas |
| 52 | Evanston, Illinois |
| 53 | Kahului, Hawaii |
| 54 | Richmond, Kentucky |
| 55 | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| 56 | Terre Haute, Indiana |
| 57 | Norwalk, Connecticut |
| 58 | Riverton, Wyoming |
| 59 | Topeka, Kansas |
| 60 | Houma, Louisiana |
| 61 | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
| 62 | Olathe, Kansas |
| 63 | Wausau, Wisconsin |
| 64 | Bloomington-Normal, Illinois |
| 65 | Dickinson, North Dakota |
| 66 | Parkersburg, West Virginia |
| 67 | Red Bank, New Jersey |
| 68 | Starkville, Mississippi |
| 69 | Brainerd, Minnesota |
| 70 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri |
| 71 | Council Bluffs, Iowa |
| 72 | Orem, Utah |
| 73 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
| 74 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin |
| 75 | Victoria, Texas |
| 76 | Corvallis, Oregon |
| 77 | Lawton, Oklahoma |
| 78 | Pittsfield, Massachusetts |
| 79 | Waterbury, Connecticut |
| 80 | Waterloo, Iowa |
| 81 | Winona, Minnesota |
| 82 | Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| 83 | Juneau, Alaska |
| 84 | Lake Charles, Louisiana |
| 85 | Kenai, Alaska |
| 86 | Lebanon, New Hampshire |
| 87 | Waterville, Maine |
| 88 | Brookings, South Dakota |
| 89 | Keene, New Hampshire |
| 90 | Pocatello, Idaho |
| 91 | Rexburg, Idaho |
| 92 | Kalispell, Montana |
| 93 | North Kingstown, Rhode Island |
| 94 | Clovis, New Mexico |
| 95 | Farmington, New Mexico |
| 96 | Fallon, Nevada |
| 97 | Newport, Vermont |
| 98 | Barre, Vermont |
| 99 | Ellensburg, Washington |
| 100 | Poulsbo, Washington |
