#United States #Tysons #PenFed Foundation #Veteran Entrepreneurs #Military Heroes

Exploring the Best Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs in 2025

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, dedicated to aiding veterans in their transition from military service to civilian life, has released its annual study spotlighting the optimal U.S. cities for veteran entrepreneurs in 2025. This promising initiative aims to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape for our nation's heroes, showcasing cities that offer support, resources, and opportunities for growth.

The top cities were carefully chosen through a detailed evaluation of various metrics, focusing on livability, economic growth, and supportive ecosystems for burgeoning businesses. Notably, Washington D.C. has claimed the top position, reflecting its robust infrastructure and favorable conditions for entrepreneurs. Following closely, Raleigh, North Carolina, has also secured an impressive second place. Not to be overlooked, Tampa, Florida, made remarkable strides, jumping from 13th to 3rd, indicating its expanding resources for veteran-led enterprises.

In the realm of large metropolitan areas, the complete list includes:
1. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
2. Raleigh-Cary, NC
3. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
4. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
5. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
6. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
7. San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX
8. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
9. Cleveland, OH
10. Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
11. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
12. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA
13. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL
14. Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV
15. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
16. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN
17. Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA
18. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
19. Salt Lake City-Murray, UT
20. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

For those seeking smaller, yet promising markets for entrepreneurship, the study also identified the top 20 small cities:
1. Cheyenne, WY
2. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
3. Sioux Falls, SD-MN
4. Rapid City, SD
5. Columbia, MO
6. Grand Island, NE
7. Colorado Springs, CO
8. Omaha, NE-IA
9. Fargo, ND-MN
10. Fayetteville, NC
11. Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
12. Lincoln, NE
13. Madison, WI
14. Lexington-Fayette, KY
15. Casper, WY
16. Boise City, ID
17. Portland-South Portland, ME
18. Abilene, TX
19. Grand Forks, ND-MN
20. Asheville, NC

The study’s methodology encompassed data from over 30 public sources, analyzing 53 quantitative indicators across 387 metropolitan statistical areas. This extensive research aims to paint a comprehensive picture of the entrepreneurial environment available to veterans.

Since its inception in 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has empowered more than 120 veteran and military spouse founders, providing essential resources like mentorship and access to capital. The program's accelerator initiative, based in Tysons, Virginia, and Bentonville, Arkansas, is set to expand to San Antonio and Pittsburgh in 2026, further broadening opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs.

In an exciting addition, the Foundation plans to roll out an Incubator program in five locations – including Raleigh, Pittsburgh, Tysons, New York, and Boston in 2026. This initiative aims to assist early-stage or idea-stage businesses owned by veterans and military spouses, helping them refine and prepare their business concepts for launch.

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, founded in 2001, has already provided over $55 million in financial assistance to veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, which underwrites the organization’s administrative expenses, the Foundation ensures that donations are directed towards impactful programs designed to uplift the veteran community.

For additional information and insights, please visit the PenFed Foundation website.