A growing economy, affordable workers and a solid housing market have all contributed to Houston’s latest ranking as one of the county’s top large metropolitan areas to start a small business.  
In a recently release article in Fortune Small Business, Houston was ranked No. 4 in the top 50 metro areas that are considered the “top cities to launch a small business” and  are described as having “all of the features entrepreneurs need to thrive.”
 
In fact, Texas is the only state to have two cities listed in the top 10 of the 50 rankings – Austin came in at No. 8.  

Fortune credits Houston’s low taxes, dominant oil industry and its evolution over the past decade. The city’s government is regarded for its aggressiveness in curbing pollution and diversifying the economy and its commitment to improving public transportation. Fortune also notes The Texas Emerging Technology Fund, an early-stage venture fund created by the Texas legislature, which allocated $180 million for research grants in the last two years, targeting the energy industry as well as the fast-growing aerospace, information technology, nanotechnology, biotech and medical sectors.  

Houston was again recognized as having the world’s largest medical center and the nation’s top rated cancer hospital and heralded for its achieving the status of becoming the largest municipal purchasing green power in the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.  

Houston continues to be recognized for its stability and strength, having added 500,000 new jobs over the past five years. Houston was also acknowledged in the recent Fortune article for its ability to endure the national recession. The future remains bright for Houston, with the Greater Houston Partnership forecasting an additional 600,000 jobs by the end of 2015.