Alpharetta: Great City for Women Entrepreneurs
With over 31 percent of the businesses being owned by women, Alpharetta was named the best city in the country for women entrepreneurs. Described as a vibrant and safe community with well-trained professionals, good paying jobs and generous support, the city is growing increasingly and receiving recognition.
According to the South Carolina based company, GoodCall, Alpharetta is the best city for women entrepreneurs to launch their business. After comparing a total of 405 U.S cities and analyzing each of their demographics as well as networking statistics, the company concluded that small to mid sized cities had the best results. In the top rankings, cities such as Walnut Creek, CA; Dublin, Oh, and in number one, Alpharetta, GA.
“The cities that rank highest in this report are places where women entrepreneurs have a better chance of finding a healthy economy and stable job market, as well as support from the local community and other like-minded,” Paul Southerland, GoodCall reporter, said.
Statistics from Sterling’s Best Places show that Alpharetta has great economical stability. In the recent year, Alpharetta has experienced a 1.77% job growth, and its high median income allows its residents to have disposable income, helping entrepreneurs greatly.
“If you look at the median income in Alpharetta, it’s the highest in Georgia, and if you look at the level of unemployment, it’s probably one of the lowest in the state. So you have people in the area that have high income, disposable income and overall, economically, they’re doing very well.” Tom Hatcher, primary adviser of FBLA, said.
Women entrepreneurs find it convenient to start a business and work in Alpharetta due to the strong local support and the many opportunities it offers to network.
“One of the greatest things about being in Alpharetta is that I have lots of opportunities to network with so many people who know people that need what I do,” Becky Berry, owner of a career coaching company, said.
Technology companies such as Microsoft, HP and Equifax have all chosen to expand in Alpharetta, giving it the title of the “Technology City of the South.” According to Grow Alpharetta, the city is not only home to over 900 tech companies but also makes up 35% of where Georgia leads its technology industries.
“Alpharetta is fastly being known as one of the top IT communities in the country. It was only really surpassed by Austin, Texas when I started the company,” Tracey Grace, owner of IBEX IT Business Experts, said.
The city not only offers great opportunities for women in the work force but in the living conditions as well. Alpharetta is known for its superb schools and being a family oriented city. It hosts many events and activities making it very pleasant and desirable. This allows women entrepreneurs the chance to find both a great working and living area.
“[Alpharetta] is such a great place to live, raise a family, and a place to start a business. All of these things combined with having lots of opportunities is what makes Alpharetta so awesome.” said Berry.
