Austin, Texas ranks as best city in the US to start a business. See top 10 list

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit, or are you thinking about starting your own business? Maybe you have a great idea, but you are not sure what city you want to start it in. 

According to a study by USA TODAY, Texas has cities that are great for pursuing a business. The article pulls studies from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Economic Analysis. 

And with a city like Austin home to businesses such as YETI, IBM, Dell Technologies, and Oracle, there could be optimism that others will do the same. 

More: Texas ranks third for business among US states in 2024, CNBC study reports

Here’s a look at how well Texas cities do when starting a business. 

The top 10 cities to start a business in the U.S.

According to USA TODAY’s research, here is the list of the top 10 cities in the U.S. to start a business.

1. Austin, Texas.
2. Miami, Florida. 
3. Nashville, Tennessee. 
4. Dallas, Texas.
5. Atlanta, Georgia. 
6. Phoenix, Arizona.
7. Jacksonville, Florida.
8. Raleigh, North Carolina.
9. Houston, Texas.
10. Tampa, Florida.

What Texas cities have the most entrepreneurs?  

USA TODAY examined metrics of 46 of the most popular cities in the U.S. 

According to their list, here a list of cities with the most entrepreneurs:

1. Los Angeles 
2. Nashville 
3. San Francisco 
4. San Diego 
5. Miami 
6. Austin 
7. Sacramento 
8. Portland 
9. Dallas 
10. Denver 
11. Houston 
12. Washington 
13. Atlanta 
14. Oklahoma City 
15. San Antonio 
16. Colorado Springs 
17. Tulsa 
18. Minneapolis 
19. Seattle 
20. New York 
21. Boston 
22. San Jose 
23. Charlotte  
24. Phoenix 
25. Fresno 
26. Omaha 
27. Wichita 
28. Raleigh
29. Louisville
30. Albuquerque
31. Baltimore
32. Tampa 
33. Las Vegas 
34. Kansas City 
35. Columbus
36. Tucson
37. Memphis 
38. Bakersfield
39. Jacksonville
40. Philadelphia 
41. Indianapolis
42. El Paso 
43. Chicago
44. Virginia Beach 
45. Detroit
46. Milwaukee

How to register an LLC in Texas 

Numerous small businesses choose to form limited liability companies (LLCs) because LLCs provide similar liability protections to corporations but with a more flexible structure and reduced administrative demands.

If you’re looking to start a business in Texas, here is how to register your LLC. 

• Choose a Name for Your LLC: The name must be unique and distinguishable from other business entities registered in Texas. It must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
• Reserve Your LLC Name: You can reserve your desired LLC name for 120 days by filing Form 501 (Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of an Entity Name) and paying a fee.
• Designate a Registered Agent: A registered agent is required to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. The agent can be an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Texas.
• File a Certificate of Formation: Complete and file Form 205 (Certificate of Formation) with the Texas Secretary of State. You can file online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $300.
• Create an Operating Agreement: Although not required by law, it is highly recommended to draft an operating agreement outlining the ownership and operating procedures of the LLC.
• Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number): Apply for an EIN from the IRS either online or by mail. An EIN is necessary for tax purposes and to open a business bank account.
• File for State and Local Business Licenses and Permits:  Depending on your business type and location, you may need additional licenses or permits to operate legally in Texas.
• Comply with Texas Tax and Regulatory Requirements: Register with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts if your LLC will be selling goods or services subject to sales tax. File an annual Public Information Report with the Texas Secretary of State and pay any required franchise taxes.