Work It

Dallas ranks among top 10 U.S. metros to start a business in new report

Dallas is a great place to start a biz.

Photo courtesy of The Riveter

A trio of Texas cities that were just recognized among the world's best have a new accolade to celebrate: they also rank among the best places to start a business.

Commercial real estate website 42Floors has named Austin (No. 3), Dallas (No. 8), and Houston (No. 9) to its list of the best U.S. metros to start a business, making Texas the top state for startup-friendly metros.

For the report, 42Floors "sought to determine which metros offered a mix of opportunity and affordability," focusing on those with at least 300,000 residents.

"Starting out in a business-friendly environment, being able to afford a small office, or even having access to the right consulting services and networking opportunities can all contribute to your new business’s chances for success."

All of this was considered in the rankings, which looked at such metrics as the metro's share of startups, number of coworking spaces, average labor costs per employee, regional price parity, taxes, and more.

Coming in at No. 3, "Austin has cemented itself as the epicenter of startup activity in Texas, with 43 percent of its metro’s companies established less than five years ago," notes the report. Austin also has the "third-lowest establishment exit rate, denoting a higher degree of new business survivability than other places."

No. 8 Dallas, the report notes, has a "slightly lower establishment exit rate and a higher density of coworking spaces," and Big D boasts more affordable office space than Houston ($1,300 less per year, according to the report).

Regarding No. 9 Houston, the report says, "Space City distinguished itself with a cost of living on par with the national average (and 5 percent lower than that of Dallas)," while also having the lowest average labor costs per employee, $45,750, among the Texas cities in the top 10.

While San Antonio didn't make the top 10, the report notes it had a "good showing with potential for entrepreneurs," and came it at No. 19 overall. The No. 1 metro to start a business, says 42Floors, is Las Vegas.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter hires distinguished new assistant director

DAS

Dallas Animal Services assistant director Amanda Earl

Dallas' animal shelter has hired a well-regarded animal professional to be second in command: According to a release, Dallas Animal Services (DAS) has appointed Amanda Earl to serve as the newest Assistant Director of Dallas Animal Services, effective November 17.

Earl brings more than 26 years of leadership in animal services, municipal operations, and animal welfare. She recently served as the Executive Director of the Darlington County Humane Society, where she secured funding to build a surgical suite and helped establish operational procedures for a new 14,000-square-foot shelter facility.

Her leadership experience includes roles with the cities of Lewisville, Grand Prairie, Hurst, Richardson, Farmers Branch, and Mesquite, as well as the SPCA of Texas.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in shelter operations, animal welfare, community engagement, and organizational leadership. Amanda has also contributed to the advancement of animal welfare across Texas through her service on multiple advisory boards and coalitions, including the Texas Animal Shelter Coalition, Plano and Lewisville Animal Services Advisory Committee, Hurst Animal Services Advisory Committee, and Texas Unites for Animals.

She holds several professional certifications, including TDSHS Basic, Advanced and Administrative Animal Control Officer Certifications, Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician, Fear Free Shelter Certification, and the prestigious Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) credential.

Known for her collaborative leadership and ability to build strong partnerships, Amanda will lead DAS' Field Services, Cruelty Investigations, Medical Operations, and Shelter Operations.

Earl joins DAS director Paul Ramon, who has worked at the shelter since 2022. She replaces Mary Martin, the former, also highly-regarded Assistant Director, who departed in March 2025 to become the Director of Riverside County Department of Animal Services in California.

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