Pembroke Pines has been ranked the top U.S. city for Hispanic entrepreneurs, according to a WalletHub report released Sept. 1. The southwest Broward city scored 65.11, edging out 181 other municipalities, including larger South Florida centers such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
How the ranking was determined
WalletHub compared 182 cities using 23 business metrics grouped into two main categories: Hispanic business friendliness and Hispanic purchasing power. The analysis assessed measures such as startups per capita and the share of Hispanic-owned businesses to judge how supportive each city is for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
"Best Cities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs"
In the report, Pembroke Pines ranked third nationally for Hispanic business friendliness, trailing only Miami and Fort Lauderdale. However, the city placed 40th in the Hispanic purchasing power category, a measure that was led by South Burlington, Vermont; Mobile, Alabama; and Dover, Delaware.
Local implications and context
For business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Pembroke Pines, the WalletHub designation highlights strengths in the local ecosystem that may include favorable conditions for launching and growing Hispanic-owned businesses. While the report does not prescribe specific policy actions, such recognition can influence potential investors, entrepreneurs and civic leaders as they make decisions about expansion, resources and outreach.
- The ranking reflects metrics tied to startup activity and the concentration of Hispanic-owned businesses.
- Pembroke Pines scored high on business-friendliness but lagged in Hispanic purchasing power.
- Florida dominated WalletHub’s headline results, taking nine of the top 10 spots nationally.
City officials, local chambers of commerce and business-support organizations often use third-party rankings to shape economic development campaigns and to target services — from small-business technical assistance to access to capital — toward communities that can benefit. For Pembroke Pines, maintaining or improving the conditions that led to this ranking could mean increased attention from entrepreneurs and regional partners.
Regional performance and statewide trend
WalletHub’s report shows a notable Florida presence near the top of the list. In addition to Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale, other Florida municipalities cited among the leaders include Orlando, Miami, Hialeah, Cape Coral, Port St. Lucie, Tampa and Jacksonville. Statewide dominance of the top slots suggests a broader regional advantage for Hispanic entrepreneurship in Florida.
| Rank | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pembroke Pines (score: 65.11) |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale |
| 3 | Orlando |
| 4 | Miami |
| 5 | Hialeah |
WalletHub reported that its rankings were produced using a proprietary tool assisted by artificial intelligence and based on originally reported and published data reviewed and edited by its journalists. The methodology’s dual emphasis on both business friendliness and purchasing power means a city can perform well on startup conditions while still facing challenges related to local consumer spending capacity.
For Pembroke Pines residents and local officials, the top ranking is likely to prompt conversations about how to convert recognition into tangible support for entrepreneurs — including mentorship, access to capital and targeted outreach for Hispanic-owned startups — while also addressing gaps in purchasing power that could affect long-term business sustainability.
Local leaders and business groups have not yet published a formal response to the WalletHub report as of the release. The assessment provides a new data point for policymakers and community stakeholders aiming to sustain and expand the city’s entrepreneurial momentum.
