Two Central Oregon cities were recently ranked among the best small cities to start a business in 2025.
Personal finance site WalletHub released a report ranking the Best & Worst Small Cities to Start a Business in 2026 by comparing more than 1,300 cities across 18 different metrics.
Those metrics included business growth, number of small businesses, investor access, and the overall business environment.
Bend ranks 23th on WalletHub’s list
Bend received a total score of 56.43 out of 100.
The city is known for its strong business environment, fueled by growing small businesses, solid annual revenues, and a thriving entrepreneurial community.
Several well-known companies started in Bend and grew into nationally recognized brands.
Companies that got their start in Bend
Hydro Flask launched in 2009 when founders Travis Rosbach and Cindy Morse created an insulated water bottle that kept drinks colder and hotter for longer. They initially sold bottles out of their truck at local events and farmers markets. The company’s popularity grew quickly, turning it into a multi-million-dollar brand. In 2016, Hydro Flask was purchased by Helen of Troy Limited for $210 million.
Bend Soap Company started in 2011 when Dwight and Marilee Johnson created goat milk soap to help their son’s eczema. Their early success led to a full line of natural skincare products made with simple ingredients. Many of their products continue to be sold locally, and the company ships nationwide through its website.
Humm Kombucha also began in Bend in 2009. Friends Michelle Mitchell and Jamie Danek started brewing kombucha in their kitchen and selling it at farmers markets. The drink’s smooth flavor helped it build a strong following. Humm later expanded into major grocery chains and is now one of the leading kombucha brands in the United States.
Redmond ranks 29th on WalletHub’s list
Redmond scored 55.95 out of 100 and ranked 11th nationally for business environment.
Redmond posted results similar to Bend in startup activity and small business growth. The city also reported strong average annual business revenue.
Redmond outperformed Bend in business costs and earned high marks for access to resources. According to the study, the city also benefited from strong job growth, higher education resources, and a readily available workforce.
Companies that got their start in Redmond
Hayden Homes was founded in Redmond in 1989. The family-owned company began by building homes locally and eventually expanded across Oregon, Washington and Idaho. In 2021, Bend’s Les Schwab Amphitheater was renamed the Hayden Homes Amphitheater when the company became the venue’s title sponsor.
Cascade Lakes Brewing Company opened in 1994 as a small craft brewery in Redmond. It has since grown into one of Central Oregon’s most recognizable brewing brands, with brewpubs in both Bend and Redmond. The company also recently transitioned into a nonprofit business model with a goal of giving more back to the community.
Central Oregon Trucking Company launched in Redmond in 1992 as a small flatbed trucking operation. The business expanded significantly over time, partnered with Daseke, Inc., and now operates as a nationwide enterprise. Despite its growth, the company continues to keep its headquarters in Redmond.
How WalletHub made the ranking
WalletHub compared cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000. Data came from sources that included the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Yelp, Indeed and the Tax Foundation. Each city received a weighted score based on business environment, resources and business costs.
Written by Ginnie Sandoval. Sandoval is a news and travel writer for Pacific Northwest Crossing. She covers travel tips, news, destinations, places to eat, and hidden gems across the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at pnwcrossing@ramsanmedia.com.