Welcome to The District, Columbia, Missouri's vital and exciting downtown—the perfect place to locate your business. A combination of factors make this the shopping, dining and entertainment center of the Mid-Missouri region and the best location in the state for starting a business.
- Over one million square feet of commercial space and nearly 900,000 square feet of office space.
- More than 14,000 employees shop, dine and work in The District on a daily basis.
- 34,000 students and nearly 13,000 faculty and staff within walking distance of our shops, restaurants and theaters.
- Vibrant retail and restaurant scene with 110 unique shops and over 70 bars and restaurants.
- Thriving arts district with galleries, artist studios, museums and performance venues.
- Growing center for creative companies in the fields of media, entertainment, advertising, architecture and film.
- Highly talented workforce with nearly 41% of those age 25 and older holding a college degree and 8% holding an advanced degree.
- Over 5900 parking spaces, 8400 student parking spaces, four city garages and free parking on nights and Sundays. A fifth garage is being constructed.
- Ranked #1 best place in Missouri to open a business or restaurant in 2010. Ranked #8 in the nation for business and careers.
New!
Starting your own business in The District is easier than you think. Download our new business brochure and get started.
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Sign up for our Business Roundtables. Improve your business, increase profits, expand your customer base and be more competitive.
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Overview of market demand. Retail, office and residential demand.
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Retail/Restaurant Survey Report. Find out what types of businesses District customers want.
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Columbia Kudos
Best Place for Start Ups.
Columbia Ranked #1 by Business Week.
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Best Place in Missouri to Open a Restaurant in 2010.
Columbia Ranked #46 in Entire Nation.
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Best Small Place For Business And Careers for 2010.
Columbia ranked #8 in country, #1 in state.
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Columbia Ranked #9 in Nation.
2009 report names Columbia as one of the top college towns.
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Columbia Named to Best Towns of 2008 List.
Outside Magazine ranks Columbia 10th in nation.
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Best Place in Missouri to Start a Business
Columbia 14th in nation; 5th among cities of 250,000 or less.
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Columbia named Most Creative Community.
Columbia first in the state to receive honor.
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Ranked by Forbes as One of the Smartest Cities.
Columbia is 11th in nation.
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6th Best in Nation for College Educated Workers.
Creative workers key for knowledge-based companies.
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Country Homes Top Green Cities.
Columbia ranked 7th for green lifestyles and quality of life.
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