Ocala Tops List of Small Businesses Per Capita in the USA!
Marion County has yet another reason to celebrate, topping the charts of a recent article by AdvisorSmith, shining a light on Ocala’s robust small business community! The report, released by AdvisorSmith, revealed that Ocala is ranked #1 for having the largest volume of active small businesses located in a mid-sized city.
The population data was gathered through statistical information published by the U.S. Census Bureau, which points to the large number of self employed entrepreneurs and small business owners who are located in Marion County. AdvisorSmith calculated the total number of small business owners per 1,000 of the population, segmenting results for cities into three groups based on metropolitan size; large cities with over 750,000 residents, midsize cities with between 250,000 and 750,000 residents, and small cities with under 250,000 residents. Marion County, with a population over 650,000, was cited as having over 49,000 small businesses and topped the list of mid-sized metropolitan areas!
Nation wide small business statistics has Ocala topping list of Midsize regions. Data provided by AdvisorSmith.
Small Businesses Flourish in Marion County
The greater Marion County region is well known as “The Horse Capital of the World” for it’s thriving equine industry, which accounts for many of the small businesses. The outskirts of downtown Ocala, which is punctuated by wide open spaces, is ideal for breeding, raising and training horses. Ocala, a mecca for thoroughbred race horse operations, is also a magnate for multiple breeds and competitive disciplines. With the 2021 grand opening of the World Equestrian Center, the region will certainly see a variety of new small businesses created in order to support the growing needs of the horse industry.
Beyond the equine industry, Marion County is blessed by a multitude of natural resources that support a thriving outdoor recreation and tourism industry. There are countless small businesses that cater to tourists and locals who are frequenting the state parks, trail systems, waterways and golf courses. Downtown Ocala continues it’s revitalization as well, with local residents choosing to focus on sustaining small businesses, restaurants and retailers in historic downtown and throughout the city limits. As stated in the following article from The Ocala Star Banner, small business owners in Ocala want to see one another succeed!
Historic Downtown Square, Ocala
2020 has been a challenging year, and Ocala Horse Properties is proud that our home town has rallied to support local small businesses and has earned national recognition. In addition, Ocala was ranked as a ‘Top 10 Best Places to Live or Retire’ by US News and World Report, and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Economic Development received the 2020 National Chamber of the Year award. This specific award considered top economic development efforts from chamber organizations from throughout the US and Canada – a nod to the positive growth that Ocala is creating!
The team at Ocala Horse Properties welcomes you to call our offices for a tour of Marion County. Now is the time to consider relocating to Ocala, perhaps to pursue a small business opportunity. Whether you are looking for residential or rural real estate options, we know Ocala and can guarantee that we will find your perfect new home. We look forward to hearing from you!
