Why starting a small business in a small town is not only appealing, but also viable

The common perception that a successful business needs to be run in a large urban area is quickly fading as more entrepreneurs opt to kick-off businesses in small and mid-sized cities.

According to an article in Business Week, the lower costs of setting up a business and a potentially higher profile to attract skilled workers in a smaller city is very appealing to new business owners.

"People are being drawn by lower cost of living and better quality of life," says Jack Schultz, in the article. Schultz is the founder and CEO of industrial developer Agracel of Effingham, Illinois and author of Boomtown USA: The 7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns.

Web-based resources are also easing the burden of some more remotely based businesses to complete their start-up to-do lists including business name registration, setting up IT systems, designing a logo or even ordering business supplies.

The internet is also an integral way many small businesses now reach out to consumers for marketing purposes, or to address concerns and manage customer service more efficiently.