A New Ranking Highlights Cortland's Entrepreneurial Potential
11/09/2026
A recent national ranking reveals that Cortland has strong entrepreneurial aspirations, placing within the top 10 college towns in the U.S. According to the ranking by GoDaddy, a website hosting company, Cortland takes fifth place, following Stanford, California—home to Stanford University—as the top spot.
Alexandra Rosen, GoDaddy’s small business economist, emphasizes the growing entrepreneurial spirit in communities across the nation, particularly in college towns. "We often focus solely on the academic aspect of college towns, but there's a thriving small business ecosystem," she remarked. "Entrepreneurship is accelerating, and the microbusiness growth in these towns is a testament to that."
The ranking was derived from an in-depth analysis of small business data from large student campuses and smaller towns nationwide. Multiple datasets were utilized, including:
- Entrepreneur survey results from over 70,000 microbusiness owners.
- Microbusiness Activity Index, a measure of microbusiness health and activity developed by UCLA Anderson Forecast in partnership with GoDaddy.
- Microbusiness density and industry and commerce data to gain insights into the online activity and distribution of microbusinesses.
GoDaddy defines microbusinesses as companies with fewer than 10 employees. While the research does not specify the age or student status of owners, it highlights the emergence of dynamic business communities where students can pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
SUNY Cortland has been instrumental in fostering this growth through its Economics Department and annual Innovation Day event, connecting local entrepreneurs with students. This year, student startups gained recognition, including NIL Finder, which made it to the final round of the New York Business Plan Competition, securing a $10,000 prize.
The university is further strengthening its entrepreneurial ecosystem with the upcoming opening of a hub for entrepreneurship and workforce development at 157 Main St., providing students with more opportunities to collaborate with local businesses.
"With the ongoing improvements in Main Street and the increased foot traffic from the Gutchess Lumber Sports Complex, Cortland is an ideal location for new businesses," said Kathleen Burke, distinguished teaching professor of economics and board member of Cortland County's Industrial Development Agency and Business Development Corporation. "The new Main Street facility will enhance these partnerships, offering students practical experience while supporting local businesses."