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Slideshow

December 2011

10 Great Cities for Starting a Business

Tampa

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Bobak Ha'Eri

Metro population: 2,783,243

Number of small businesses: 52,062

Self-employed cost-of-living score: 93.1

Invested venture capital: $7,000,000

Patents per 10,000 residents: 1.7

Standout start-ups: Wufoo.com, CrowdSavings, Enthusem

Tampa promises more than nice beaches and a low cost of living. The Gulf Coast hot spot is also home to a nascent start-up scene. Local government is particularly business-friendly, promising tax credits to businesses that locate in certain areas or work in one of a number of high-demand industries, including life sciences and sustainable energy. Local nonprofits, such as the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, connect entrepreneurs with mentors and organize frequent conferences and networking events. Tampa�s small-business owners also benefit from the state�s lack of personal income tax and 5.5% corporate income tax. The city is a key player in the Startup America Partnership, a national initiative that has funneled more than $730 million to new businesses in Florida and six other states.