BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Bowling Green is the top ranked small city in Kentucky for starting a business, according to the National Chamber of Commerce. That's good news for small business owners like Megan Fano of Grow Blooms and Gardens.
What You Need To Know
- Bowling Green is the highest ranked small city in the Commonwealth for starting a business, according to the National Chamber of Commerce
- Bowling Green is 42 overall on the list
- The only other city in Kentucky on the list is Ft. Knox at 63
- Business owners credit the community as a big reason
Fano said the community is a big reason why Bowling Green earned high marks.
"We have customers coming in saying we are so glad you are here," Fano said. "They are so glad to see us and they are happy about the selection and it just makes us feel welcomed and that is why we are here doing this for everybody in Bowling Green.”
Fano returned to Bowling Green after an 11-year hiatus and has had a steady diet of customers since her return.
“We’re seeing a lot of repeat customers as well as a lot of new customers and we couldn't have asked for any better response for how well this season has gone for us,” Fano said. "Being able to have that personal connection with my customers is something I pride myself on."
Shops like LuLu's Confinement Store are also seeing an uptick in sales.
"We have all kinds of new items and I think people just want to get out and shop and spend money so it has been very good," said Shiela Marcum, a store manager at LuLu's.
The Chamber bases its list off of median income, GDP per capita and job creation, among other things. Bowling Green's population has steadily increased according to the U.S. Census Bureau.