Broken Arrow Named One of the Fastest-Growing Cities in the U.S. for Small Business Activity
Broken Arrow has once again proven it’s a city on the rise. A newly released report from BILL Economics ranks Broken Arrow among the Top 5 fastest-growing midsize cities in the U.S. for small business activity, highlighting our city’s resilience, innovation, and growing economic momentum.
The Rise of the Midsize City
According to the report, midsize cities across the U.S. have significantly outpaced large cities in small business payments growth over the last five years, particularly since the onset of COVID-19 and the introduction of new tariffs earlier this year. Midsize cities like Broken Arrow have shown a 200% increase in average payments growth per company since 2020, compared to just 113% in large cities.
This growth has accelerated in recent months. Since May 2024, small businesses in midsize cities have experienced 2.9x faster growth than their counterparts in large metropolitan areas. Broken Arrow stands out as one of only five cities nationwide leading this charge, alongside Mesquite, TX; El Monte, CA; South Fulton, GA; and Quincy, MA.
What This Means for Broken Arrow
Being named to this prestigious list isn’t just a recognition, it’s a reflection of the intentional work being done in our city to cultivate a thriving environment for businesses of all sizes. From targeted workforce development programs to strategic incentives and a community that values entrepreneurship, Broken Arrow continues to demonstrate that it’s built for business.
“This ranking validates what we hear every day from our local employers,” said James Bell, President and CEO of the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (BAEDC). “Broken Arrow offers the infrastructure, talent, and support network that small businesses need not only to survive, but to scale and succeed.”
A Strong Future Ahead
The BILL Economics report notes that the list of fastest-growing midsize cities is evolving quickly, showing that it’s not just one or two standout cities leading the way, but a nationwide shift toward regions like Broken Arrow that offer affordability, access, and agility.
As more entrepreneurs and companies seek out the advantages of midsize markets, Broken Arrow is well-positioned to continue attracting new investment, expanding our talent pipeline, and accelerating economic opportunity.
Interested in starting or growing your business in Broken Arrow?
Connect with the BAEDC to learn about available resources, workforce initiatives, and incentive programs that make Broken Arrow the smart choice for your business future.
