There's so much going on here, it's hard to put your finger on what exactly makes the Minneapolis/St. Paul area tick.
For one, the region is home to an array of industries. The printing and publishing, software, and machining sectors remain at the forefront, but health care, medical products, financial services, food processing, and electronics follow close behind, making for a diversified base. Major corporations, including 3M, Honeywell and Dayton Hudson, are based here, offering a variety of subcontracting and technology transfer opportunities to small businesses. Lifestyle pluses include first-rate recreational opportunities and a superb school system.
In the past, high property taxes, particularly for the commercial sector, have been a major hurdle for entrepreneurs. Recently, however, a property tax reform bill was passed to lessen the burden, although some say it didn't go far enough. Remaining challenges include the availability of qualified labor, open land for industrial development and, to a lesser degree, adequate financing, though the region is well-known for its generous venture capital community.
As for the months ahead, the creation of an NHL franchise in St. Paul and the development of an entertainment and retail complex known as "Block E" makes the future bright for twin cities entrepreneurs on all fronts.
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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