Moving for Entrepreneurship: Cities With Major Small Business Incentives in North America
Starting or expanding a small business is as much about where you are as what you do. Even the best business idea can struggle without access to capital, talent, support networks, and cost‑effective operating conditions. That’s where entrepreneurial cities with strong small business incentives come into play — communities that actively recruit and support startups through tax breaks, grants, coworking ecosystems, training programs, and strategic economic development.
In this guide, we explore:
What business incentives are and how they work
The best cities in North America (U.S. & Canada) offering powerful entrepreneurial incentives
Key programs and benefits that make these cities entrepreneur‑friendly
Practical steps to plan a location move for business success
Whether you’re a first‑time founder or scaling an existing venture, this post will help you understand why migration can be a strategic part of entrepreneurial success.
What Are Small Business Incentives?
Small business incentives are tools used by cities, regions, and countries to attract and retain entrepreneurial activity. They can include:
1. Tax Incentives
Reduced corporate tax rates
Tax credits for hiring or capital investment
Sales tax exemptions for startups or R&D equipment — for example, the Buffalo Niagara region offers no corporate income tax for manufacturing, no inventory tax, and no sales tax on R&D equipment, among other tax incentives.
2. Grants and Cash Incentives
Direct cash grants to support startup costs, technology development, or job creation
Relocation incentives like Jacksonville’s “Make My Move” initiative, which offers cash and local business vouchers to attract skilled professionals.
3. Loan Programs
Low‑interest loans or loan guarantees from public or economic development authorities
4. Business Support Services
Access to mentorship, legal, or marketing services
Incubators, accelerators, and shared workspaces
5. Training & Workforce Development
Subsidized employee training programs or on‑site business training
6. Special Development Zones
Enterprise zones or empowerment zones with concentrated benefits — such as tax breaks or extra support programs, like the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corp. in NYC.
Incentives vary by city and industry, and finding the best fit can significantly reduce startup costs, improve survival rates, and accelerate growth.
Top North American Cities Worth Moving to for Small Business Incentives
Below we profile cities that stand out for their entrepreneurial ecosystems, incentives, and supportive environments.
1. Austin, Texas (USA)
Why It’s Entrepreneur‑Friendly
Austin is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to launch and grow a business. It has:
A 0% personal income tax rate, which also benefits small business owners financially.
A strong venture capital scene and large pool of funded startups.
A culture that attracts young talent, creatives, and tech professionals.
Events like SXSW that boost visibility for tech, media, and creative businesses.
Incentives to Know
Startup grants & pitch competitions through local organizations
Economic development programs that may offset costs for relocation
Pro‑business tax climate with exemptions for certain small businesses
Best For
Tech startups, creative industries, service‑based entrepreneurship, and scalable ventures.
2. Dallas & Houston, Texas (USA)
Why They’re Attractive
Dallas and Houston both offer strong entrepreneurial climates with:
High levels of venture capital backing
Business‑friendly tax structures (no state income tax)
Easy access to logistics, ports, and international markets.
Houston, in particular, is home to a booming entrepreneurial network with chambers and business development organizations supporting small business growth.
Incentives Worth Noting
Grants and incentive programs tied to job creation
Urban development programs that encourage new business investment
Best For
Energy, logistics, healthcare startups, and diverse commercial entrepreneurship.
3. Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
Why It’s Entrepreneur‑Friendly
Atlanta has emerged as a major economic hub with:
A large, educated workforce
Low cost of living relative to other major cities
Strategic access to transportation and logistics networks.
The city’s business climate supports a range of companies from tech startups to service businesses.
Incentives & Opportunities
Enterprise zone benefits for targeted areas
Business development grants
Abundant networking and accelerators
Best For
Tech startups, logistics and transport related businesses, and regional service ventures.
4. Denver, Colorado (USA)
Why It’s Entrepreneur‑Friendly
Denver combines quality of life with supportive business incentives:
Enterprise Zone tax credits that support job creation and capital investment
Office of Economic Development programs for skill training and tax support.
Incentives
Tax credits in designated enterprise zones
Grants and business support services for startups
Best For
Tech, lifestyle brands, professional services, and environmentally oriented businesses.
5. Miami, Florida (USA)
Why It’s Attractive
Miami has fast become a hotspot for startups, especially international and trade‑oriented businesses:
Sales and corporate tax exemptions for certain sectors
Cash grants based on job creation and investment.
Incentives
Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP)
Access to international markets and export‑oriented growth opportunities
Best For
Import/export startups, tech, hospitality, and international businesses.
6. Salt Lake City, Utah (USA)
Why It’s Entrepreneur‑Friendly
Salt Lake City offers a healthy startup ecosystem with:
Affordable living costs
Strong local support for tech and life sciences ventures
Incentives like the Tech Lake City initiative that offers grants and incubator access.
Best For
Tech startups, life sciences, and outdoor lifestyle brands.
7. Omaha & Des Moines (Midwest USA)
Smaller Midwest cities often offer surprisingly strong incentives:
Omaha benefits from the Nebraska Advantage program — including tax credits for innovation, job creation, and training support.
Des Moines has resources such as innovation zones and business support networks.
Best For
Small service businesses, scalable startups on a budget, and regional trade ventures.
8. Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
Why It’s Entrepreneur‑Friendly
Vancouver stands out in Canada for:
Strong R&D incentives — some companies can get up to 40% in rebates for research expenditures.
Gateway access to Asian markets and global trade
A growing tech and creative ecosystem.
Incentives
Federal and provincial innovation grants
Investment support for green and tech sectors
Best For
Tech, creative industries, sustainable products, and export‑oriented businesses.
9. Calgary, Alberta (Canada)
Why It’s Attractive
Calgary has become business‑friendly due to:
Low corporate tax structure (Alberta has some of the lowest tax burdens in Canada).
No provincial sales tax, which translates to savings for startups.
Access to innovation centers and low real estate costs relative to Vancouver or Toronto.
Best For
Service businesses, tech, agriculture, energy, and scalable enterprises.
10. Toronto & Montreal (Canada)
Why They Matter
While larger Canadian metros may have higher costs, they offer:
Significant networks of business incubators and accelerators
Municipal and provincial small business grant programs
Rich talent pools and access to capital.
Toronto offers city‑level grants and support through Business Improvement Districts and municipal programs.
Montreal complements this with programs focused on innovation and export development.
Best For
Tech startups, cultural businesses, professional services, and diversified ventures.
Other Notable Entrepreneurial Cities/Regions
While the list above highlights major hubs, other regions offer unique advantages:
Minot, North Dakota (MAGIC Fund) — local growth funds reinvest tax revenues in business development.
Smaller cities with strong incubator support like Chattanooga, TN and Bismarck, ND, where local SBDC programs and incubators help new entrepreneurs with loans and training.
What Incentives Look Like in Practice
Tax Credits & Breaks
Cities may offer:
Income tax exemptions for new jobs
Property tax freezes for a certain period
Sales tax exemptions on equipment or supplies
R&D tax credits at state/provincial levels
Grant & Loan Programs
Examples include:
Economic development grants tied to capital investment
Local incentive funds that reward job creation
SBA 7(a) loan eligibility that provides favorable financing terms for U.S. small businesses
Support Services
Incubators and accelerators help with:
Mentorship and peer networking
Shared workspace and events
Business planning and pitch coaching
Many cities pair these services with funding opportunities.
How to Choose the Right City for Your Business Move
Relocating your life and business is a major decision. Here’s how to evaluate your options.
1. Define Your Business Needs
Ask yourself:
What industry are you in?
Do you need access to funding or talent?
Is access to global markets important?
Will you benefit from proximity to universities or research centers?
2. Research Local Incentives
Every city has different eligibility criteria. Some incentives are targeted to specific sectors (e.g., technology or manufacturing), while others are broadly available.
3. Consider Cost of Living and Business Costs
Lower taxes or grants are powerful, but you must weigh them against:
Rent or real estate prices
Labor costs
Regulatory environments
4. Evaluate Quality of Life
Entrepreneurs often choose cities where they and their teams want to live. Climate, culture, and community matter.
5. Visit First
Before relocating, visit prospective cities, meet with local business support organizations, and network with founders already there.
Steps to Move Your Business to a New City
Step 1: Plan Your Move
Create a checklist of legal, financial, and logistical tasks
Update business registration with new jurisdiction
Step 2: Leverage Local Business Development Organizations
Meet with Economic Development Offices
Ask about incentives and eligibility requirements
Step 3: Integrate into Local Ecosystem
Join local chambers of commerce
Participate in networking events
Engage with incubators and co‑working spaces
Step 4: Apply for Incentives
Prepare strong applications for:
Grants
Tax incentives
Training support
Include a business plan and financials.
Common Questions About Moving for Entrepreneurship
Does relocation guarantee business success?
No — incentives help reduce barriers, but success depends on execution, market fit, team, and customer strategy.
Are incentives available to online or remote businesses?
Some are — eligibility varies. Cities often focus on businesses with local impact (job creation, community engagement).
How long do incentives last?
Incentive durations vary; tax breaks might be offered for several years, while grants are often one‑time.
Conclusion
Moving your business to a new city isn’t just about logistics — it’s a strategic growth decision. The right location can provide you with financial incentives, access to talent and capital, supportive communities, and opportunities for collaboration that are hard to replicate elsewhere.
Cities like Austin, Vancouver, Calgary, Miami, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Houston, and key Midwest hubs offer strong incentives and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystems. Understanding what each offers — from tax breaks to grants and incubators — can help you make an informed decision that positions your business for long‑term success.
Starting or growing a business is exciting—but relocating to a city that supports your entrepreneurial vision can make all the difference. Whether you’re moving to Toronto, Vancouver, Austin, Miami, or another North American hub with major small business incentives, the logistics of moving your home, office, and inventory can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Two Amigos comes in.
As a full-service moving company, Two Amigos specializes in long-distance, interprovincial, and cross-border relocations for entrepreneurs and small business owners. From secure packing of office equipment, inventory, and sensitive materials to reliable transportation and flexible storage solutions, we ensure your belongings—and your business—arrive safely and on time.
Our team understands the stakes of moving for business opportunities. Every detail matters: meeting deadlines, protecting valuable equipment, and coordinating schedules for a seamless transition to your new city. With transparent pricing, personalized moving plans, and dedicated support, Two Amigos takes the stress out of relocation so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.
Don’t let the challenges of moving slow down your entrepreneurial journey. Contact Two Amigos today for a personalized quote and make your move to a business-friendly city in North America safe, efficient, and hassle-free.
