Based in Boulder, Colorado, Grasshaven Outdoor offers a variety of products including canvas teepees, sturdy dinnerware, and stylish picnic coolers—essential items for luxurious camping, affectionately referred to as “glamping” by the founder Dawn Bitz. After leaving her corporate position to launch the business in 2012, she has earned titles like the “Martha Stewart of camping” and the “camping style diva.” The inspiration for her company emerged during a family camping trip planning, where she struggled to find gear that combined style and practicality.
“It was truly one of those midnight revelations,” she recalls, sharing how the concept struck her.
With an online store, 17 physical outlets in RV dealerships nationwide, and a primary location in Boulder, the business has seen rapid growth. Bitz credits much of her success to the “entrepreneurial spirit” of the city, which has facilitated her connections with mentors, recruitment of talented staff, and access to funding. Grasshaven Outdoor has a team of four full-time employees along with several part-time and contract workers. As she aims to further expand, Bitz intends to enhance the website and hasn’t faced any challenges in finding support in Boulder for this endeavor.
“There’s just a wealth of talent here to draw from,” Bitz states.
Bitz and her fellow small-business proprietors recognize that selecting a location is among the most crucial and initial choices that entrepreneurs must make. A business’s physical address influences its customer demographics, workforce availability, and access to financial resources and guidance.
To pinpoint where U.S. entrepreneurs may experience the greatest success, NerdWallet conducted an analysis of 183 metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 250,000 and at least 15,000 businesses. They evaluated six factors to measure the success of businesses and the overall economic environment within these areas.
Here are their findings:
Smaller markets yield benefits. All the regions featured in the top 10 have populations below one million. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area in Connecticut, with a population of 926,233, is the largest within the top ten, while Wilmington, North Carolina, is the smallest at 259,815.
Look to the Midwest. Coastal cities are often the first to be associated with successful business locales, but Midwest cities provide a lower living cost and reduced competition. Five of the top 10 locations listed are situated in the Midwest, including two in Indiana and one each in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas, is distinctive. This southeast Texas metropolitan area is notable for its affordable housing costs and impressive business revenues. On average, companies here generate 155% more in revenue compared to those in other studied metropolitan areas.
Top 10 Locations for Starting a Business
1. Boulder, Colorado
With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, a thriving tech industry, a significant natural food sector, and a culture that values locally sourced products, it’s no wonder Boulder leads the list. Recognized national brands like Justin’s, known for organic nut butters, and Crocs, famous for colorful clogs, originate from Boulder. The city is rich in resources for entrepreneurs, featuring multiple co-working spaces, capital investors, and incubators. Business owners can join the Boulder Chamber for networking opportunities, directory listings, and information about initiatives such as Boulder Young Professionals, which organizes social, volunteer, and professional growth events.
2. Wilmington, North Carolina
A burgeoning population, robust tourism sector, and closeness to the coastline favor businesses in this port city. Wilmington boasts approximately 15 businesses for every 100 residents, the highest ratio in the top ten. Nearly 900 businesses operate downtown, including Flytrap Brewing, a local craft brewery, and Fuzzy Peach, a frozen yogurt shop created by three friends from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Businesses can join the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for directory inclusion, training seminars, and biannual networking expos.
3. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Connecticut
Located in southwestern Connecticut, just above Long Island, the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk area features a vibrant arts culture, a well-educated populace, and financially thriving businesses. The area’s median annual income—$63,369—is the highest among the top 10 locations. Local enterprises include Amodex, known for ink and stain removal products, and Mike’s Ristorante, a family-run Italian restaurant. Local businesses can join either the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce or the Bridgeport Regional Business Council to attend networking events, secure directory listings, and access insurance options through the Chamber Insurance Trust.
4. Evansville, Indiana-Kentucky
Evansville serves as an economic and commercial center within the Indiana-Kentucky-Illinois Tri-State region. Major employers include two healthcare facilities, the local school district, and Berry Plastics, a manufacturer of plastic packaging. The city is also home to several cultural districts featuring entertainment venues, trendy dining spots, and boutiques. Businesses can join the Southwest Indiana Chamber for directory listings, discounts on services, and membership in local groups such as the Diverse Business Alliance and the Downtown Alliance. The Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville offers resources like complimentary site selection support, business expansion initiatives, and a technology incubator.
5. Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine
While small, Portland boasts a thriving culinary scene with numerous local food-related businesses. Maine Foodie Tours offers delicious walking tours of the city, and Bite Into Maine operates a beloved food truck specializing in lobster rolls. The city is also home to the 2010 SBA Maine Young Entrepreneur awardee, Becky McKinnell, who launched the web design firm iBec Creative. For emerging businesses, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce offers members complementary meeting spaces and discounts on cell phone plans, health insurance, credit card processing, and Apple products. Members of the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry can join the business directory, engage in networking events, training workshops, and enjoy discounts on health insurance through the Alliance of Maine Chambers.
6. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
With an affordable cost of living, Cedar Rapids features a downtown area filled with local retailers and eateries. Its economy thrives on food processing, manufacturing, distribution, wind energy, electronics, and financial services. Notable local businesses include Fix Salon, a beauty and hair care establishment, and Brewed Awakenings, a popular coffee shop. The unemployment rate stands at 3.8 percent, the lowest among the top 10. Enterprises can join the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance for directory listing and networking opportunities.
7. Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas
Located near the Louisiana border in Southeast Texas, this region embraces Cajun culture, offers views of the Gulf of Mexico, and boasts a low cost of living. Households spend an average of $8,316 annually on housing, the least among the top 10, while businesses earn an average of $2.8 million annually in revenue, the highest in the top 10. Local businesses can join either the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce or the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce for directory inclusion, networking activities, and participation in referral groups.
8. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Home to the Packers football team, Green Bay attracts fans from across the state for home matches at Lambeau Field. Besides football, the city’s downtown boasts parks, museums, theaters, shops, restaurants, and the CityDeck, a riverside boardwalk. Around one-third of local businesses employ paid staff, with notable establishments including Hinterland, a brewery and restaurant that emphasizes local sourcing. Businesses can join the Greater Green Bay Chamber for directory inclusion and networking opportunities. The Chamber also offers the Advance Microloan program, which provides loans up to $75,000 for startups requiring initial capital.
9. Fort Wayne, Indiana
As Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne is characterized by its low cost of living, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively downtown scene. Local businesses include The Olive Twist, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop, and Pure Movement Pilates, a dedicated Pilates studio. Enterprises can become members of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. for directory listing and networking opportunities. The city further offers a comprehensive guide to launching a business in Fort Wayne.
10. Peoria, Illinois
This academic town offers an affordable cost of living and sits between Chicago and St. Louis. Home to Bradley University and the global construction equipment company Caterpillar, Peoria generates job prospects and attracts customers to local businesses like The Chef and the Baker, a family-owned place specializing in box lunches and baked goods. The RiverFront District serves as the city’s centerpiece, featuring festivals, live music, art displays, eateries, and shopping. Businesses can join the Peoria Chamber of Commerce for directory listing, networking opportunities, and advertising prospects.
Methodology: NerdWallet assessed each area based on average business revenue, the percentage of businesses with paid employees, and the number of businesses per 100 residents—key indicators of business success. They also examined median annual income, housing costs, and unemployment rates to evaluate the entrepreneurial environment.
