Bay County ranked 8th best place in Florida for small business owners

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP)— A recent study by Smart Asset, which gathers data from the IRS, has revealed that Bay County is ranked among the best places in Florida for small business owners.

If you’ve walked around Bay County, you may have encountered one of the many small businesses this community has to offer, like Tom’s Hot Dogs. The restaurant has been a staple in downtown Panama City since 1981.

“We offer something that you’re not going to get somewhere else. It’s all of our chilies and everything being made home-made, and the fact that this is where people grew up, so I think it’s just family tradition, it’s what makes us unique,” said Pamela Armstrong, owner of Tom’s Hot Dogs in Downtown Panama City.

The study shows Bay County is the eighth best place for small business owners in Florida, and a 27.13% small business ownership rate in this area. Bay County’s Chamber of Commerce President said it’s all thanks to the area’s collaborative spirit and southern hospitality.

“I truly see that people understand that high tide raises all boats, so if one small business is successful, their neighbors are going to be successful, it just seems to be a spirit here in Bay County that’s unique, versus other places that I have experienced,” said Patrick Chapin, president and CEO of Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

Chapin tells us Bay County’s small businesses support local entities such as churches, non-profits, and schools. He also says their efforts to give back to the community are what makes the county unique.

“My favorite thing is the people, the customers, the people that I meet, the people that have given me advice over the years, the people that keep coming back every year, that’s what makes me enjoy what I do,” said Armstrong.

Chapin said the chamber guides local small businesses through classes and programs on marketing and finances. He says their support for new entrepreneurs is another thing that makes Bay County a very business-friendly area.

Other Northwest Florida counties are also mentioned in the study. Walton County is ranked as the 6th and Franklin County is the 9th best in the state.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.