A recent study by The Kansas City Business Journal found Kansas City, Missouri, to be one of the nation's most cost-effective metropolitan areas, based on income, cost of living and other economic considerations. Coupled with an unemployment rate of less than 4 percent, this "Heart of America" is a prime location for entrepreneurial business.
Situated at the convergence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers in the center of the United States, Kansas City is a major distribution, transportation and warehouse center that nurtures and provides abundant resources to local business owners. As evidence of its commitment, in August, the city unveiled a comprehensive, 50-year plan to foster economic growth and improve education. The Kauffman Foundation, a center for entrepreneurial leadership, fosters success through education and grants. And there are a multitude of financing sources, including venture capital funds.
As in Salt Lake City, finding well-trained workers is a challenge here-but opportunities abound for local businesses, thanks to out-sourcing by major corporations such as Sprint Communications and Hallmark. Telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, tele-marketing and high-tech industries remain strong, while the success of casino gaming has brought nearly 8,000 jobs into the community since 1994. Looking to the future, experts expect more service businesses for seniors, Internet-related companies and continued growth in the homebased sector.
This article was originally published in the October 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: 20 Best Cities For Small Business.
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