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GoDaddy Reveals America’s Most Entrepreneurial College Towns

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Inaugural ranking finds 80% of the Most Entrepreneurial College Towns lie beyond traditional startup hubs, highlighting a wider geography of entrepreneurial opportunity

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — College towns are not just places to prepare for a career; they can also be places to build a business. GoDaddy’s inaugural ranking of America’s Most Entrepreneurial College Towns highlights small business growth in communities that do not always make national entrepreneurship headlines.

While Stanford University tops the list, the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab found that smaller, lesser-known college towns are stepping into the spotlight as unexpected hotspots for entrepreneurship.

Warrensburg, Missouri, home to the University of Central Missouri, and Newark, Delaware, home to the University of Delaware, placed second and third, with year-over-year microbusiness growth of 16.1% and 16.0%, respectively. GoDaddy defines a microbusiness as a company that employs fewer than 10 people. They join communities including Elon, North Carolina; Martin, Tennessee; and Conway, South Carolina, in a top 10 where every town recorded double-digit growth.

The findings highlight college towns as great places to start a business, whether you’re a student, professor or local resident, such as a coffee shop owner, dog walker or plumber.

“When we think about college towns, we often focus on the schools exclusively, but there’s an entire small business economy anchored to the school,” said Alexandra Rosen, GoDaddy’s small business economist. “Entrepreneurship is accelerating across the country in communities of all sizes and demographics, and the microbusiness growth we’re seeing in college towns is a testament to that. With our Most Entrepreneurial College Towns ranking, we see this ecosystem come alive as students, university faculty, and local residents build alongside one another, driving positive economic impact for the whole community.”

What Stands Out

Smaller communities deserve a bigger place in the entrepreneurship conversation.Entrepreneurship can be something students practice, not just study.Gen Z’s entrepreneurial ambitions give college-town growth added relevance.College-town entrepreneurship is not exclusively a student story; it offers opportunity across the community and advances the broader local economy.

America’s Most Entrepreneurial College Towns
The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab ranked eligible college-town communities by their year-over-year microbusiness growth during the previous calendar year. The ranking measures growth in the geographical area including the college, not the performance solely of the university or its entrepreneurship programs. 

Rank 

Community 

College / University 

Year-over-year
Microbusiness Growth 

1

Stanford, CA 

Stanford University 

20.2 %

2

Warrensburg, MO 

University of Central Missouri 

16.1 %

3

Newark, DE 

University of Delaware 

16 %

4

Elon, NC 

Elon University 

15.5 %

5

Cortland, NY 

SUNY Cortland 

14.6 %

6

Martin, TN 

University of Tennessee at Martin 

14.3 %

7

Morgantown, WV 

West Virginia University 

14.2 %

8

Oneonta, NY 

SUNY Oneonta 

13.7 %

9

Conway, SC 

Coastal Carolina University 

13.4 %

10

Jacksonville, AL 

Jacksonville State University 

13.3 %

The Rise of Applied Entrepreneurship
Programs at several universities in the top-ranked communities illustrate how students can gain experience running a business while still in school. Growth takes root across an intertwined local ecosystem where higher education initiatives, local trade, and small business owners reinforce one another.

University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, No. 2: Students work with community partners to plan, launch and operate a small business as part of their degree requirements.University of Delaware – Newark, No. 3: The student-operated UDairy Creamery connects coursework with practical experience in product development, supply chain and storefront operations.Elon University – Elon, No. 4: Incubates student-founded ventures into active local vendors through targeted creativity and innovation centers.

These examples show how entrepreneurship education can extend beyond the classroom and into everyday business activity.

Gen Z Looks Beyond Traditional Career Paths
The growth of college-town microbusinesses comes as younger adults show interest in building businesses of their own as they explore their career options and the future of work. With Gen Z leading all generations in new business creation, up 66% year-over-year1, college towns serve as testing grounds for aspiring entrepreneurs. According to recent data2, 43% of current college-aged adults (Gen Z) plan to start or run a business before graduation, utilizing microbusinesses as an equity-building tool while still enrolled in school.

While GoDaddy’s ranking does not identify business owners by generation or student status, it highlights growing business communities where students could explore those ambitions. For aspiring founders, a college town can be more than a place to earn a degree; it can be a place to be inspired, test an idea and launch a business of their own.

For local leaders, the ranking offers a starting point for conversations about supporting business owners both on and off campus. For residents considering a venture, it highlights business growth in places they may already call home. That community-wide perspective reflects what GoDaddy calls the “Empowerment Economy” – more people having more options in their lives and livelihoods, from supporting their household to pursuing passions, and having more freedom to define success on their own terms.

To learn more about the 2026 Most Entrepreneurial College Towns, including additional data, comprehensive interactive maps, or to get more information on GoDaddy’s Small Business Research Lab, visit www.godaddy.com/research.

About GoDaddy
GoDaddy, the world’s largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. Airo®, the company’s agentic operating system for small businesses, helps entrepreneurs get their idea online, run their business day-to-day and grow through an integrated identity, presence and commerce experience. GoDaddy’s expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. 

About GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab 
The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence, defined by a unique domain and active website. Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, classifying them as microbusinesses. Since 2019, the program has surveyed more than 70,000 entrepreneurs, making it a leading source of data and insights on microbusiness trends. To learn more, visit www.godaddy.com/research.

Footnotes
1 Bank of America, Small Business Owner Report, 2026.
2 The Lonely Entrepreneur, Gen Z Entrepreneurship Survey, 2026.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

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SCANOLOGY Introduces AirGO Pad for On-Site 3D Scanning, Inspection and Reporting

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HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SCANOLOGY introduces AirGO Pad, an integrated mobile measurement platform that brings 3D scanning, inspection and reporting alongside the part being measured. Combining computing, industrial 3D inspection software and touchscreen operation, AirGO Pad works with compatible SCANOLOGY wireless 3D scanners to help operators complete the inspection workflow on-site without carrying a separate laptop.

When inspecting a large component, operators need to move around the part while keeping scan data and measurement controls accessible. Finding a suitable place for a laptop—and returning to it to check results or adjust settings—can interrupt that process, particularly where space is limited. AirGO Pad places the inspection interface on a portable tablet, allowing operators to view data and interact with the software beside the component.

Users can connect a compatible wireless 3D scanner and view 3D data in real time, monitoring scan coverage and quality as they work. They can then align data, perform measurements and inspect results on the same device. During scanning, operators can create comparison points, features and other inspection elements as needed. Preconfigured report templates complete the workflow, enabling standardized inspection reports to be generated directly on AirGO Pad.

The platform’s design supports these transitions between scanning, inspection and reporting. Its high-definition touchscreen keeps model details and measurement results within reach. Operators can use the tablet in handheld mode while moving around the part, then unfold the convertible stand to review results on a suitable surface. A neck strap provides additional support when carrying and operating the device.

“Making a measurement system mobile means considering more than how operators carry the 3D scanner. They also need access to their data and inspection tools beside the part. We developed AirGO Pad to bring these activities together, from reviewing scan data to producing the inspection report,” said a product manager at SCANOLOGY.

AirGO Pad supports SCANOLOGY’s third-generation handheld and wireless optical 3D scanning systems, standard CAD/3D formats and wireless PC synchronization for measurement, annotation and review.

For product details or to request a demonstration, visit AirGo Pad product page.

About SCANOLOGY

SCANOLOGY develops industrial 3D measurement solutions for manufacturing and engineering. Its products are used for 3D measurement, automated inspection, and quality control. They are trusted by more than 10,000 enterprises across over 70 countries and regions, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.

SOURCE SCANOLOGY

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SKYWORTH Solar Announces Global Launch of Solavita as a Smart Microgrid Brand

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKYWORTH Solar has officially announced the global launch of Solavita, its dedicated brand for smart microgrid solutions. Positioned strategically as “A Smart Microgrid Expert for Diverse Energy Scenarios,” Solavita consolidates the company’s extensive solution portfolio and service infrastructure under a unified global identity, building upon its rapidly expanding international footprint.

Addressing Grid Flexibility and Long-Term System Value

The launch comes as electricity systems face growing demands for flexibility. The International Energy Agency’s 2026 mid-year electricity update highlights the importance of flexible resources and more efficient use of infrastructure as renewable generation expands. For customers, the priorities vary by market: managing electricity costs, using more locally generated solar power, or maintaining essential loads where grid supply is unreliable.

“As renewable energy becomes more distributed, the long-term performance of the whole system becomes increasingly important,” said Fan Ruiwu, Chairman of SKYWORTH Solar. “We see that performance as the foundation of our international energy business. With Solavita, we are bringing our capabilities together around a common approach to solution development and service, while working with local partners to adapt delivery to each market. Our focus is on the value these systems provide throughout their life.”

Solutions for Different Energy Needs

To address the dual challenges of grid volatility and operational cost, Solavita engineers its systems around a core architectural philosophy prioritizing grid-forming stability, intelligent automation, cross-generation efficiency, and multi-tier security. Translating these technical principles into practical applications, the brand introduces a comprehensive solution matrix tailored to specific market demands.

For residential users, the SolaHome suite utilizes an advanced Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to seamlessly coordinate rooftop solar, battery storage, and flexible domestic loads like heat pumps and EV chargers. In markets with dynamic electricity tariffs, such as Germany, HEMS automates energy dispatch to capitalize on low-price periods. This practical value is evidenced by a recent residential installation in Jesteburg, Germany, combines 18.9 kW of rooftop solar with 20.48 kWh of battery storage. Solavita reports nearly €50 in electricity-price arbitrage benefits during the first month of dynamic-tariff operation.

Expanding beyond the home, the portfolio scales up with SolaBiz, which integrates distributed solar, commercial storage, and smart dispatch to help factories and retail spaces manage peak-demand costs and safeguard against grid disruptions.

For larger utility and off-grid demands, SolaMatrix delivers scalable, containerized storage and microgrid management focused on stabilizing renewable integration in weak grid environments.

Finally, ensuring energy access in highly mobile contexts, SolaGo offers plug-and-play balcony solar and portable power systems for outdoor activities and critical emergency backup, completing Solavita’s end-to-end coverage of modern energy applications.

Global Engineering Foundation and Ecosystem Delivery

To guarantee the reliable implementation and long-term asset value of these diverse solutions, SKYWORTH Solar underpins Solavita with a robust global engineering foundation.

On the technology front, the Smart Microgrid Technology Centre connects cutting-edge research with product engineering, supported by academic collaborations with Tianjin University and Hainan University. This pipeline is further strengthened by a comprehensive Haikou test platform—scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026—to rigorously validate grid-connected, islanded, and grid-forming systems.

The InfraCosmos Digital Platform supports lifecycle data management, operational monitoring and fault identification. It connects system information with service and maintenance, helping teams monitor performance and respond to operating issues.

Beyond hardware and software, this foundation extends to flexible supply chain execution and strategic project delivery. Solavita employs F+D+EPC+O (Financing, Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations) framework for large-scale, asset-light project coordination, alongside a localized PD2C cooperation model actively deployed in markets like Germany and Italy to ensure rapid, market-specific service.

These capabilities underpin Solavita’s positioning as a smart microgrid expert, connecting system development with local delivery and ongoing service. The aim is to make integrated energy systems practical to deploy and support in each market.

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SOURCE SKYWORTH Solar

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TCL Donates Ultra-Low-Power Display System to the Youth Olympic Village, Bringing Advanced Display Technology to Everyday Use

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The donation of the display, featuring TCL CSOT’s high-brightness Field Sequential Color technology, continues TCL’s long-term commitment to the African market

DAKAR, Senegal, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, donated an ultra-low-power display system powered by solar energy to Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow (UAM) in Senegal. Delivering outdoor brightness at roughly half the power consumption of comparable displays, the system will serve as an information hub on the UAM campus, which will also serve as the Youth Olympic Village during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Attendees at the donation ceremony included IOC President, Kirsty Coventry; UAM President, Professor Mababa Diagne; Senegal Higher Education Minister, Boubacar Camara; TCL Charity Ambassador, Jacky Heung; and General Manager of TCL Industries’ Middle East and Africa Marketing Division, Naimin Yang.

“Powered by TCL’s advanced display technology, this new display system will create new possibilities for our campus facilities and support development for both students and faculty,” said Professor Diagne.

Advanced Display Technology Delivers Best in Brightness and Efficiency

The donated system features a TCL CSOT 75-inch high-brightness Field Sequential Color (FSC) display capable of delivering 4,000-nit brightness at approximately 300W. By eliminating conventional color filters and generating color through the sequential switching of red, green and blue light, FSC technology enhances light utilization with transmittance over 15%.

The technology reflects TCL CSOT’s continued pursuit of improved display performance and energy efficiency, bringing advanced screens into everyday settings through TCL’s broader Screen Universe vision. Installed at UAM, the display will serve as an outdoor information hub, remaining bright and clear even in direct sunlight.

TCLArt and TCLYoung Champion Local Art and the Next Generation of Creators

Beyond technology, TCL also supports local culture in Dakar through its art-focused initiative, TCLArt. TCL participates in the Yeesal urban art initiative, which works with Senegalese artists and communities to create large-scale public murals. The project supports 43 artists, especially creators under 35, whose works draw inspiration from African athletes, cultural diversity, and youth aspirations. These murals will become permanent features of Dakar’s urban landscape, celebrating local creativity while reflecting TCL’s commitment to the next generation of creative talent through TCLYoung.

From Local Presence to Shared Growth: TCL Deepens its Footprint in Africa

Both the donation and Yeesal partnership build on a presence in Africa stretching back more than two decades. TCL first entered the African market in 2004. Today, TCL TVs and home appliances are sold in nearly 50 African countries across the continent, supported by six sales subsidiaries and three regional business units. TCL continues to strengthen its retail presence across the region, including with the opening of the first TCL brand experience store in Africa in Johannesburg, and the establishment of its own retail and distribution channel in Kenya.

Through its established business network and localized operations, TCL continues to build closer connections with African customers and consumers, combining global technological capabilities with a deeper understanding of local markets to better serve people across the region.

About TCL

Founded in 1981, TCL is dedicated to empowering smarter, healthier lifestyles through next-generation experiences.

Today, with 50 R&D centers and 47 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, reinforcing its position as a globally competitive smart technology brand. To further inspire greatness, TCL has become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.

https://www.tcl.com/global/en

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SOURCE TCL Technology Group Corporation

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