High Marks
Houston scores stellar marks among the best cities for small business
If you want to start a business, look no further than your own backyard. Small business owners rated Houston one of the best environments from entrepreneurs in a new survey from Thumbtack.
Thumbtack — which connects small businesses with consumers — surveyed almost 18,000 people, including 1,510 in Texas and 392 in Houston. Respondents were asked to rate state and city governments across 12 key metrics. High marks earned Houston an A+ — and a No. 7 spot — on the list.
Houston received a top grade (A+) for the ease with which you can start a business, business-friendly regulations, ease of tax code, licensing and business-friendly zoning. It received an A in healthy and safety regulations and employment, labor and hiring and A- in environmental. It received a B+ in the ease of hiring and the availability of training and network programs.
Although this round of high marks is impressive, it is significantly lower than the grades Houston earned in Thumbtack's 2014 survey. Last year, the lowest score that respondents gave the Bayou City was A- in two areas; every other factor earned either an A or A+.
Houston isn't the only Lone Star gem getting props for its dedication to fostering small business. In fact, Texas was ranked the No. 1 state for small businesses, with four other cities claiming high spots on the list. Dallas came in at No. 2, followed by Austin at No. 4, San Antonio at No. 10 and Fort Worth at No. 12.