PenFed Foundation Releases 2026 Rankings of Top U.S. Cities for Veteran Entrepreneurs
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has released its 2026 study identifying the best large metropolitan areas for veteran entrepreneurs to establish and grow businesses. Washington, D.C., secured the top spot for the second consecutive year, followed by Raleigh, NC, and Austin, TX. The study utilized 52 indicators across 387 metropolitan areas, focusing on livability, economic growth, business startup ease, and veteran support services. The research was conducted in partnership with Polco and the National Research Center (NRC) as part of the Foundation's Veteran Entrepreneur Program. This program provides mentorship, media training, and access to capital for military-affiliated founders without taking equity. The findings serve as a guide for veterans seeking optimal environments for business development and for communities looking to improve support for veteran-owned enterprises.
Topics: City Rankings Economic Development Veteran Entrepreneurship