GoDaddy’s Entrepreneurial Power Rankings highlight the U.S. cities where small businesses thrive, showcasing how pro football stadiums fuel local economies and entrepreneurship.
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| GoDaddy ranks the top U.S. cities where small businesses thrive, with Miami Gardens topping the list. AI tools and football stadiums fuel growth in these entrepreneurial hubs. Image: CH |
Tempe, Arizona, USA — September 13, 2025
In celebration of the new football season, GoDaddy has unveiled its Entrepreneurial Power Rankings, spotlighting the U.S. cities where small businesses are flourishing alongside pro football stadiums. These rankings, based on the number of entrepreneurs per 100 people, emphasize the economic vitality of areas around stadiums and their neighboring downtowns and suburbs.
Leading the rankings is Miami Gardens, the home of the Miami Dolphins, followed by Tampa at #8 and Jacksonville at #15. These cities illustrate how a combination of strong population growth, vibrant multicultural communities, and favorable weather conditions create an ideal environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. Florida is rapidly emerging as a hub for small businesses, demonstrating the positive impact a supportive environment can have on local economies.
Not only major cities but mid-sized metros like Glendale, AZ (#4) and Nashville, TN (#7) are emerging as key players in small business growth. These cities boast affordable living costs, digital connectivity, and proximity to major sports events, which together foster economic development and job creation.
The rankings highlight a key trend: nearly all cities in the top 30 have more entrepreneurs per capita than the national average. The only exception is Pittsburgh, which ranked at the bottom of the list. This finding underscores the significant role pro football stadiums play in boosting small business ecosystems.
GoDaddy’s research also shows that artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an essential tool for entrepreneurs. Platforms like GoDaddy Airo allow small business owners to quickly establish an online presence, enabling them to compete with larger rivals. AI is transforming the way small businesses operate, offering support in areas ranging from digital marketing to customer engagement.
Alexandra Rosen, economist and global head of GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, commented, “The entrepreneurial energy around pro football stadiums is a natural outcome of the significant economic activity these venues generate. Small businesses are a vital part of this ecosystem, benefiting from the influx of visitors, talent, and game-day excitement.”
The findings also reflect the resilience and drive that characterize small business owners. Starting with little or no capital, many entrepreneurs are women, immigrants, and people of color—individuals who may not initially consider themselves "entrepreneurs" but are simply pursuing their passions. Despite setbacks, these business owners persevere, finding ways to innovate and grow, just like the teams they cheer for on the football field.
GoDaddy’s Entrepreneurial Power Rankings are part of the company’s broader mission to support small businesses and promote inclusive economic opportunity. With tools and resources designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and compete, GoDaddy is empowering the next generation of business owners to achieve success in the digital age.
In addition to its rankings, GoDaddy will continue to provide insights and data on the small business landscape, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in their communities. The rankings serve as a reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the U.S., especially in cities that pulse with the energy of professional football.
As GoDaddy’s rankings show, small businesses are not just contributing to the local economy—they are driving it. From Florida’s football hubs to mid-sized cities across the U.S., these entrepreneurs are creating jobs, generating innovation, and providing essential services that help communities thrive. With the right tools, support, and resilience, there’s no limit to the impact they can have on their neighborhoods, states, and beyond.