Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. goes by way of a development spurt. Between July 2008-2009, the capital metropolis gained greater than 600,000 residents in a only a yr; greater than in some other one-year interval since World Conflict II. However the inhabitants in D.C. is not the one demographic that is rising – small companies are additionally booming. Solely 11% of D.C. residents work for the federal government. With over 60,000 small companies within the District, D.C. has the fifth highest focus of entrepreneurs within the nation, in accordance with the Grasshopper Group. However will the capital metropolis be capable of develop its entrepreneurial attain within the coming decade? D.C. tech entrepreneur Kevin Dewalt factors D.C.’s strengths, citing that town has “at all times had belongings for changing into a startup hub: the most important IT buyer on this planet, authorities grants, nice engineering applications at our regional universities, [and] essentially the most educated workforce within the nation.” All are elements that time to D.C.’s subsequent development spurt – not simply in inhabitants, however for the alternatives that await entrepreneurs within the Nation’s Capital.
Chicago, IL
Chicago entrepreneurs are cheering on Groupon. The group coupon web site not too long ago made headlines for a possible buyout deal from Google. And put different Chicago start-ups within the highlight, too. In accordance with the Chicago Tribune, the “native traders and entrepreneurs say Groupon’s visibility brings contemporary consideration to startup exercise that already was buzzing, bolstering Chicago’s popularity as a spot that nurtures new concepts from their earliest levels by way of maturity.” Entrepreneurs agree. “The final 9 to 12 months have been superb within the sense that the power and momentum that exists right now inside the startup group in Chicago is one thing I’ve not seen within the final yr and a half,” Chicago entrepreneur Ashish Rangnekar stated in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. However Groupon isn’t the one tech firm in Chicago that has gotten consideration, and funding, fromSilicon Valley. 37Alerts, Orbitz, Feedburner, Residences.com, EveryBlock, Threadlessand SitterCity all have their roots in Chicago.
Austin, TX
Texas has lengthy prided itself on doing every part larger and higher. However in accordance with Kiplinger’s Private Finance, “Austin’s genius is nurturing the ability of small.” Small as in small enterprise. The journal has dubbed Austin as a greatest metropolis for the following decade. Different accolades embrace incomes the highest rating in enterprise vitality from Portfolio.com. With a inhabitants of 1.7 million and over 38,000 small companies, there are roughly 24 companies per 1,000 residents, contributing to Austin’s excessive rating. Austin’s small enterprise development may assist clarify why their employment elevated 16%, whereas employment dropped nationwide between 2004-2009. Austin’s superb stats are backed by loads of sources that town has devolved to encourage entrepreneurship. Town’s Small Enterprise Improvement Program offers help and sources to rising companies. There are additionally incubators to assist start-ups, together with the distinguished Austin Know-how Incubator. With a thriving small enterprise scene and metropolis funded sources in addition, one factor is evident – do not mess with Austin.
Seattle, WA
In case you’re acquainted with Picnik, Wetpaint, Zillow, 43 Issues, Redfin, Bag Borrow or Steal, and a web site about cats and cheezburgers, you are acquainted with the not too long ago profitable startups within the Seattle space. However will Seattle proceed to be a hub for tech start-ups within the subsequent decade? The Kauffman Basis thinks so. In a not too long ago launched report, the 2010 State New Financial system Index ranked states by their help of world, digital companies which can be targeted on information and innovation. Washington State ranked second, with solely Massachusetts scoring larger. Seattle’s energy, significantly in software program and aviation, comes from native powerhouses – Microsoft, Boeing and Amazon.com. These firms have attracted high expertise, and a few credit score these firms’ gifted staff with bolstering the startup scene. Are Seattle small enterprise homeowners shocked? TechFlash blogger John Maher says, “We have at all times been the ultimate frontier for East Coasters, the Pacific Rim and Canada. We have at all times had a wholesome share of revolutionary folks keen to construct one thing nice.”
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