Even better for startups - Rankings: Business Briefs from Across South Florida

South Florida CEO, March, 2004

* Inc. magazine has just published its rankings of the top 25 places to do business in the country. Overall, the state of Florida dominated the list, clinching 6 of the top 25 slots. Three of those winners are in South Florida: West Palm Beach at No. 5, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood-Pompano at No. 7 and Miami-Hialeah at No. 22. The findings are based on a variety of measures, including current and historical job growth, and overall affordability. Places that were kindest to business, in terms of rents, taxes and regulatory environments, did the best.

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* South Florida does even better when it comes to start-ups and small businesses. Entrepreneur magazine also recently compiled its rankings of the best cities for entrepreneurs. Criteria for making the list included entrepreneurial activity, small-business growth, overall job growth and bankruptcy rates. Here, Fort Lauderdale snagged the No. 4 slot, West Palm No. 6 and Miami No. 8.