Every city says they want to encourage new business growth, but there are at least eight cities putting their money where their mouths are. Some offer compelling tax breaks, others use incredibly innovative new business incubators to nurture burgeoning businesses.CNN put together a list of the top 8 business friendly locations, you can find a snippet of the article below or check out the full list here.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh may not be Silicon Valley, but the state's second-largest city hopes to recapture some of its former steel-era glory by becoming a hub for technology start-ups.
Bill Gates wannabes can get advice and capital from InnovationWorks, an economic development organization designed to help tech start-ups that could boost the southwest Pennsylvania economy.
The region's largest seed-stage investor, InnovationWorks has provided more than $45 million in financing to more than 125 technology start-ups since it started ten years ago. Business consulting also is available for start-ups, while a grant program helps small manufacturers boost their efficiency and universities develop ideas that could turn into viable products.
Meanwhile, IT entrepreneurs focused on starting web, mobile, gaming or hardware firms can get free office space, mentoring and $25,000 in funding via its 20-week AlphaLab. AlphaLab companies include Careerimp, which helps users create resumes targeted to specific jobs fast, and Devotee, which sets retailers up with mobile loyalty programs.
Miami
The recession and housing bust hit Florida hard, but The Launch Pad is looking to help turn the region's economy around.
The assistance network is designed to encourage and support University of Miami students and alumni who want to start ventures -- particularly in south Florida.
