Wilmington Ranks No. 4 Among Small Cities for Women Entrepreneurs

The city's ranking highlights a broader shift toward smaller metro areas becoming hubs for innovation and business growth.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek laptop, a modern desk organizer, and a potted succulent plant arranged elegantly on a clean, white seamless background, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the rise of women-led businesses in smaller cities.A modern, minimalist still life captures the entrepreneurial spirit fueling women-owned businesses in Wilmington and other emerging small-city hubs.Wilmington Today

A new nationwide study has ranked Wilmington, North Carolina as the 4th best small metro area in the U.S. for women-owned businesses. The report, titled 'Women Mean Business,' looked at factors like business growth, income levels, workforce participation, and entrepreneurship trends, finding that Wilmington stands out for its rapidly expanding economy and growing base of women entrepreneurs.

Why it matters

Wilmington's high ranking reflects a broader trend of smaller and mid-sized cities emerging as attractive hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation, as remote work and lower costs of living draw more women and other entrepreneurs to these areas. This shift away from traditional economic powerhouses could have significant implications for the future of business and job growth across the country.

The details

The study found that Wilmington has experienced a 39.4% increase in gross domestic product since 2019, indicating rapid economic expansion. It also ranked in the top 10 nationally for self-employment among women, with 13.6% of women in the area working for themselves. Nationally, women-owned businesses make up 22.9% of all businesses, with a women to men pay ratio of 74.1% and a workforce participation rate of 58.9% for women.

  • The 2026 report 'Women Mean Business' was released in April 2026.
  • Wilmington has seen a 39.4% increase in GDP since 2019.

The players

Andreea Neculae

The author of the 'Women Mean Business' study that ranked Wilmington as the 4th best small metro area for women entrepreneurs.

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What they’re saying

“What makes Wilmington remarkable is how it compares to metros with far bigger profiles.”

— Andreea Neculae, Author, 'Women Mean Business' study

“Women in Wilmington aren't just finding jobs; they're creating them.”

— Andreea Neculae, Author, 'Women Mean Business' study

What’s next

The full 'Women Mean Business' report includes rankings and data for metro areas across the country, along with a breakdown of the methodology used to determine the results. As more women enter the business world, cities like Wilmington could continue to rise as key centers for entrepreneurship.

The takeaway

Wilmington's strong ranking for women-owned businesses highlights how smaller and mid-sized cities are becoming attractive hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship, driven by factors like remote work, lower costs of living, and a growing pipeline of educated women entering the workforce. This shift could reshape the economic landscape in the years to come.