Key Findings:

• Metro Atlanta ranks No. 5 in the most resilient U.S. metro economies for business. 

• Metro Atlanta ranks No. 11 in unemployment.

• Metro Atlanta ranks No. 12 in new establishments.

• Augusta, GA ranks No. 71 in the most resilient U.S. metro economies for business. 

• Georgia ranks No. 2 in average SBA loan amount out of all states.

When economic uncertainty looms, business owners often feel the first and hardest financial shocks. Yet some U.S. cities consistently prove their staying power, fostering entrepreneurial growth, stable employment, and strong access to funding even in turbulent times.

To uncover where businesses are most likely to weather a downturn, we analyzed the 100 largest U.S. metro areas using data from the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cities were ranked across business survival, job creation, unemployment stability, access to SBA funding, and the strength of local relief programs. The results highlight where entrepreneurs are best positioned to thrive, no matter the economic climate.

Where Businesses Are Built To Last

This ranking identifies the U.S. metro areas where businesses are most likely to start, survive, and grow. Each city's score reflects a combination of factors, including:

• Business survival rates

• New business openings

• Job growth

• Unemployment rates

• Access to SBA funding

• Availability of state-level small business support programs

Together, these metrics capture both the strength of local economies and the environments that help businesses endure through economic uncertainty.