The Missouri cities of St. Louis, Springfield and St. Joseph have all been ranked in the top five cities for fastest startup growth nationwide, according to FiveThirtyEight.com. Kansas City, Missouri also made the list coming in at No. 12 in the nation.
“The talent is here, the quality education system is here, the capital is here, and the collaborative and supportive environment is here,” said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. “Our high quality of life and low cost of living continue to position Missouri as the place where firms start, thrive, and create high-tech jobs.”
According to the report more than 4,800 new businesses were formed in St. Louis in 2014, a three percent increase from 2009, with the city ranking second overall for fastest growing rate of new startups. Springfield, which came in fourth nationwide, saw a two percent change in new business formations over the five year span with more than 800 new firms opening up shop. St. Joseph’s small-business community gained more than 170 new companies, ranking it fifth, while Kansas City had more than 3,000 new businesses forming in its metro area.
With its strategic location, globally connected infrastructure, economic diversity, competitive business and labor costs, highly-skilled and hard working talent and a statewide commitment to attracting companies and investment, Missouri is a place where companies come to grow and thrive.