North Carolina’s Wilson and Salisbury are now considered among the top small cities to start a business.
At least, that’s according to a report released by personal-finance website WalletHub today.
According to the report, Wilson placed 10th and Salisbury 16th as the most “business-friendly small markets in the U.S.” First place went to Holland, MI.
The firm compared more than 1,200 cities with fewer than 100,000 residents across 18 key metrics, including growth rates, accessibility to financing, investor access and labor costs.
For many, the results may not come as a big surprise. In recent years, both cities have quickly earned kudos for being “progressive”.
Wilson partnership with ETI helping to create a ‘smarter city’
Since 2008, the City of Wilson has pushed to become a “smart city” with the creation of Greenlight’s all-fiber-network, the only one of its kind in the state. It also partnered with ETI Software Solutions to help manage the many capabilities of the growing network that are attracting businesses to the city.
“I know some examples of companies that live between Wilson and Raleigh,” Brad Hine, product director of analytics and GIS solutions with ETI, was quoted as saying. “Companies that have set up shop within the Wilson county borders have done so to take advantage of their high-speed Internet.”
Meanwhile, online pet supply retailer, Chewy, Inc, recently announced plans for its new fulfillment center in Salisbury, bringing 1,200 new jobs and $55 million in investment.
“Chewy selected North Carolina because from our infrastructure to our workforce, we have everything businesses need to succeed,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. “These new jobs will make a positive impact on Rowan County and the surrounding area.”
Online pet supply firm Chewy to create 1,200 jobs in Salisbury for distribution center
