Solopreneurs, Here Are the Top 10 US Cities for You! Part One
If you are interested in starting a business or are already on your business journey, you know that having the right environment can be just as powerful as supportive friends and family. If you're surrounded by people who discourage you from pursuing your business goals, the chances are high that you won't go after them. Likewise, being in a city or town that may not have the best infrastructure, incubators or funding options to support solopreneurs can also be a death nail. According to a new chart by LinkedIn's workforce insights, 10 cities above the rest are growing as leading new business formation centers which means more communities, infrastructure and events for like-minded individuals. Below we'll explore the reasons for why the leading ten may be solopreneur, entrepreneur and new small business hotspots.
10. DenverDenver may come as a surprise to most, but it has been a growing business capital for years. One reason is that Denver is the 8th most educated city in the US which means there's a large talent pool. It also has become a major hub for tech companies with the Colorado state government offering great business grants and incentives. Pair that with a high-level of diversity, quality of life with outdoor and local activities plus, lower costs of living and its clear why solopreneurs and tech businesses are flocking to Denver.
9. L.A.Who doesn't think showbiz when they hear Los Angeles? But LA is now not only a destination for walk of fame wannabees but also a hub for all types of industry solopreneurs from tech to fashion. This is probably because they are home to plenty of conferences and international events that provide networking opportunities. LA is also the 2nd most populace city in the US, has a close proximity to Silicon Valley and may be one of the main hubs for creative industries in particular. It also helps that its sunny 275 days out of the year.
8. New YorkDoes NY really need any introduction as a hotspot for solopreneurs or any type of commerce in general? Probably not, so to keep it brief: Top talent, funding and capital, center of culture and cosmopolitanism, plus incubators and tech infrastructure, all of which provide everything the solopreneur needs to get a leg up in business.
7. MiamiMiami is also on the list as one of the cities the business-minded are flocking to as it's been doing a lot in recent years to attract entrepreneurial talent. Miami has systematically invested in co-working spaces, accelerators, and other organizations that work to support startups. Networking meetups and events give solopreneurs the opportunity to collaborate with those in similar spaces, while tax incentives have been implemented to foster economic growth. It may have a reputation for nightlife but the Miami of the future may be a solopreneur paradise.
6. BostonOne of the oldest cities in the US, Boston has traditionally been known as a historical center and prestigious university hub. But having skilled talent, the easiest access of any US city to London and strong venture capital networks has proved to have a positive affect on industries like biotech and healthcare. Solopreneurs who set their sights on Boston are getting one of the most walkable and innovative cities in the world.
5. ChicagoChicago has always been an important city and due to its location, has acted as the epicenter for Midwest business. It also has always had a diverse business climate, reasonable cost of living compared to other major US cities, and plenty of funding opportunities. Apart from this, Chicago provides a plethora of resources from university entrepreneurship programs to small business and leadership associations. But not only are resources important, so is opportunity. Chicago has an amazing foodie, music, art scene with plenty of natural and historical activities. Solopreneurs need buyers and this is the city to find locals and tourists who need your services.
4. San FranciscoAs the second city in California on the list, this one tops LA by 5 places. Major tech companies like Google and Twitter have offices and headquarters there, while coworking spaces are full of engineers and wannabe CEO's. “Clustering” (the affect when like-minded types move to the same places) is big here which makes it a driven, motivated and even competitive atmosphere for the solopreneur on their journey. Pair this with amenities, nightlife, high income potential and diversity, and it makes for a well-rounded lifestyle choice.
ConclusionThere are so many factors to your individual success in starting your own venture, but remembering that the environment, resources and even lifestyle of the city or town you live in may not be what you need to succeed. If you are thinking of relocating, choose a place that has the right solopreneur culture, the lifestyle that you prefer, and even your target market. Stay tuned for part two to see the top 3 US Solopreneur hotspots! Already have your business up and running but need a healthier office setup? Check out The Benefits of a Sit Stand Desk.
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