If you're running a small business and looking to set up shop in North Carolina, you might want to pay attention to the City of Monroe. A new report from B2B Reviews, stamped with a fresh date, has placed this city firmly on the map for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, thanks to a medley of compelling advantages like its burgeoning population and competitive sales tax rates.

Here's the scoop – Monroe is seeing a nine percent increase in population and boasts a sales tax rate of 6.75 percent, lower than many of its urban counterparts. With a population that now stands at 37,797, or a slice of 0.35 percent of North Carolina's residents, this city is rolling out the welcome mat with open arms by offering commercial real estate at an inviting $22 per square foot, according to the City of Monroe's press release.

But that's not all. Monroe is not just a pretty face in the crowd; it's got substance. It rubs shoulders with Charlotte sitting just a stone's throw away, a geographic perk that lends itself to the city's ability to attract those big-city customers, minus the eyewatering expenses usually associated with urban centers. “Its proximity to Charlotte allows businesses to attract big-city customers without the high costs,” the city's announcement articulated.

A feather in North Carolina's cap, the state recently secured the title of #1 in the U.S. for launching a new enterprise. And Monroe, well, it's not shying away from riding that wave of recognition too. The city doesn't just court hometown operations; it's a melting pot for 17 international companies calling Monroe their home away from home, spanning 11 countries and three continents, their statement highlighted.

Now, why are businesses swarming to Monroe? It’s all about competitive edges. Easy access to highways, rail, and their very own Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport put the city on the logistics map. There’s a sizable workforce just itching to get down to business, and the local authorities are dishing out incentives to make the financial burden a little friendlier on the pocket. Plus, let us not forget the life outside the boardroom – Monroe promises a tapestry of culture, education, and entertainment that makes settling down a bit more enticing, “We’re not just open for business; we’re ready to help you succeed," as per the City of Monroe's press release.