Small Business Hot Spots: Five U.S. Counties Seeing Rapid Growth

New findings show that small business activity is expanding in communities across the country, including many outside major urban centers. 

U.S. business formations surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with new business applications hitting an all-time peak in July 2020, according to an analysis from the University of Maryland. U.S. Census Data shows the rate of entrepreneurial growth in the U.S. ​​has remained elevated since, as workers turn their hobbies into retail businesses and skills into consultancy services, reflecting the importance of gig workers in the U.S. economy. U.S. Census data​ also shows the number of business applications filed rose 60% from 2020 to 2024 compared to the previous five years. As of July 2025, filings continued to outpace pre-pandemic levels.  ​

According to a 2024 analysis by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, small businesses were responsible for more than 70% of new jobs created since 2019. Several counties stand out for sharp increases in new business applications. ​Data on ​D‑U‑N‑S^® Numbers—a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses — reveals more about economic growth in each locale.

Wayne County, Kentucky

U.S. Census data shows Wayne County, located on the border with Tennessee, has experienced a 68% increase in new business applications and a 61% increase in new D‑U‑N‑S Number creations from 2021 to 2024, indicating healthy growth. Major development investments from the state, infrastructure upgrades and a $3 million investment from a technology firm in 2023 have helped pave the way for business growth and job creation. Dun & Bradstreet D‑U‑N‑S data shows Wayne County small businesses that have opened or received new management in recent years include women’s clothing stores, farms, employment agencies and equipment rental enterprises.

McKenzie County, North Dakota

For McKenzie County, the growth in new business formation began the in the decade before the pandemic, with U.S. Census data showing that business applications rose  393% over the past five years compared to the previous decade. What’s behind the explosive growth? Oil and gas development has been a major driver. Additionally, the Center on Rural Innovation reports local leaders credit broadband investments about 15 years ago as a foundational asset to supporting the growth across sectors, including in trucking companies, trade schools, oil support services and restaurants.  In all, McKenzie County, which has a population of about 15,000, is home to 2,115 D-U-N-S Numbers created over the past decade.

Alamosa County, Colorado

U.S. Census data shows this southern Colorado county has seen a 65% increase in business applications from 2021 to 2024. Entrepreneurs in the county, which has a population of about 17,000, can receive guidance on funding and developing small businesses from the San Luis Valley Small Business Development Center Network at no cost. The area has also received major investment in the form of state and federal grants, including $1.27 million to improve water infrastructure. D‑U‑N‑S data indicates the livestock, non-durable goods wholesale and property management sectors have seen growth in Alamosa County in recent years. 

Autauga County, Alabama

According to U.S. Census data, business applications in Autauga County have increased 71% from 2021 to 2024. This largely rural county is part of the Montgomery metropolitan area in central Alabama and home to a diverse -- and expanding-- manufacturing sector. In September 2022, a $82.45 million grant was awarded to expand high-speed broadband services in the county and throughout the region. The county has also invested $4 million in sewer infrastructure to support development of two large tracts of undeveloped land along the highway. D‑U‑N‑S data shows beauty parlors, restaurants and business services are among the industries represented by recently founded companies in Autauga County. $82.45 million grant was awarded to expand high-speed broadband services in the county and throughout the region. The county has also

Wexford County, Michigan

As per the U.S. Census data, new business applications filed in Wexford County increased 90% from 2019 to 2024. County seat Cadillac was recognized as a Redevelopment Ready Community by the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) in 2021, making it more attractive to potential investors and facilitating access to development-related resources. This county, which has a population of about 35,000, has also seen an expansion of its longstanding boat manufacturing industry in recent years.  Trucking, retail bakeries and repair services are also among the industries that have experienced growth. 

Maintaining the Momentum: Tips for Entrepreneurs and Founders

Opening a business is a major accomplishment— but it takes more than hard work and a little luck to keep a small business healthy and realize its potential. Here are some tips to help set your small business up for success:

-Get a D-U-N-S Number: This unique identifier helps establish your business credit profile. Many businesses will use your D-U-N-S Number to view your credit profile and evaluate your company as a partner.

-Check Your Business Credit File: Monitor your business credit scores and ratings and see how you stack up against your competitors. This can help you understand when you’re ready to apply for funding to expand your business.

-Establish Your Online Business Presence: Creating and maintaining a digital footprint for your enterprise can help customers access your products or services and help your enterprise guard against fraud and establish legitimacy. 

Leveraging Local Growth: How Larger Businesses Can Engage Small Business Hot Spots

While small business growth can benefit local communities, the economic impact can be felt beyond their immediate surroundings in today’s digitally interconnected world — especially as broadband continues to expand into rural areas. So how can medium and enterprise businesses create opportunity and manage risk amid the explosion of rural entrepreneurship? There’s more than one way to ride the momentum: 

-Identify New Markets for Growth: In an economy where many new businesses are sole proprietorships, use business and consumer data to understand potential customers and create personalized marketing campaigns.

-Evaluate Potential Partnerships: Assess a business’ stability and creditworthiness with data and analytics before engaging them as a partner to mitigate risk.  

-Support ESG and Inclusive Growth Goals: Align with ESG goals by supporting small businesses in rural or underserved areas. Collaborate with local governments or business organizations to co-invest in community growth.