Worcester rises to top small business city in America for 2025
- Worcester has seen a population growth of 14% from 2010 to 2020, marking it as the fastest growing city in New England.
- The city underwent $4.5 billion in development projects over the past decade, significantly impacting its local economy.
- Worcester's top ranking by Biz2Credit reflects its growing appeal as a small business hub amid changes in the economic landscape.
Worcester, Massachusetts, emerged as the leading city for small businesses in America according to Biz2Credit's annual study for 2025. This ranking was derived from a comprehensive analysis that included over 60,000 companies nationwide, focusing on financial indicators such as annual revenue, credit scores, and business longevity. The city, which is New England's second largest and fastest growing, witnessed a significant population increase of 14% from 2010 to 2020, indicative of its appeal to new residents and businesses alike. Throughout the past decade, Worcester has experienced approximately $4.5 billion in major development projects, contributing to a bolstered local economy. The growth of Worcester's economy can be attributed in part to strategic efforts by organizations like the Worcester Chamber to attract and retain businesses while fostering workforce talent. The professional, scientific, and technical sectors in the area have notably expanded, providing nearly 3,500 new jobs between 2000 and 2010. The highly educated workforce in Worcester, where nearly 50% hold at least a bachelor’s degree, further enhances its attractiveness as a hub for entrepreneurs. Biz2Credit's analysis detailed that Worcester not only topped the list for small businesses but also reflected a broader trend where many cities traditionally recognized for tech innovation, such as San José and San Francisco, fell in rankings compared to previous years. This trend underscores shifts in the national economic landscape, emphasizing that cities outside the expected tech-centric regions can provide conducive environments for small businesses to thrive. Furthermore, the study listed other noteworthy cities in the top five including Ventura, CA; Greater Bridgeport-Stamford, CT; Portland, OR; and San José, CA, showcasing a diverse array of locations that small businesses are operating successfully. This new ranking reflects a changing sentiment about where entrepreneurial opportunities can be found across the United States.