Small Business: The Heartbeat of the Triangle’s Record-Breaking Economy
The Triangle is growing, thriving, and leading the nation. From high-tech startups to local mainstays, small businesses are the engine behind our No. 1 national ranking for job opportunities.
In the Raleigh MSA, small businesses don't just "participate" in the economy -they create it. Small firms accounted for nearly 90% of our region’s new net job growth this past year. Explore the data that proves why our community is the gold standard for American innovation.
Quick Facts Dashboard
Market Power: 99.6% of all businesses in our region are classified as "Small."
Source: SBA NC 2025 Profile
The Job Engine: Small businesses contributed 89.9% of all net new jobs in 2024-2025.
Source: SBA NC 2025 Profile
National Rankings (2025-2026)
#1
Best-Performing Large Metro in the U.S.
Source: Milken Institute Report
#1
Best U.S. City for Job Opportunities & Earning Potential
Source: Raleighnc.gov Summary
#1
State for Business
Source: CNBC Top States for Business Report
#2
Top Innovation Hub Across the South
Source: Commercial Cafe via Raleighnc.gov
#1
Inclusive Growth: 46.6% of regional firms are Women-Owned—nearly 1 in 2 businesses.
Source: SBA NC 2025 Profile
Resilience: Raleigh is the #4 Most Economically Resilient Metro in the U.S.
Source: Card Rates 2026 Financial Resilience Report
Best US Cities for Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
Source: Checkr 2025 Best US Cities for Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
#9
Best Large Cities to Start a Business
Source: CBS 17