Small Business is Booming

Small business is booming in Austin. Here are the numbers at a glance:

• Unemployment: 3.4%, a competitive hiring environment
• Median home price: $422K, a recent decline that looks like a buyers market
• Startups: 1,768, one of the densest founder communities
• Unicorns ($1B+): 16, as investors are putting their money in Austin

From City Hall (What Actually Matters for Founders):

• Place-Based Enhancement Program. Austin's Economic Development Department just approved new incentive awards for two local companies and is promoting a program focused on affordable space for small businesses and creatives. If your startup needs below-market rent or build-out help, this is a program worth watching.
• Small Business Saturday. With more than 42,000 small businesses, the city is leaning hard into small-business promotion. Expect more campaigns and possibly grants aimed at local operators. A great time for founder-led brands to piggyback on city marketing and put your brand in front of Austin's "shop local" crowd.