It used to be that starting a business meant you were limited to one place. You needed a physical location to attract customers and that meant you had to stick closeby to wherever your business was based. With the rise of the Internet, that changed almost overnight.

 

In the modern era, the majority of the global population does at least some form of online shopping. As of 2016, around 47% of the world was using the internet. In the year 2000, just 16% of the world was on the web. As more people gain internet access, we’re going to see even more growth in the e-commerce sector.

 

For digital nomads, this is a perfect opportunity. It means that you have the potential to start a business that you can sustain as you travel while engaging customers from almost anywhere in the world. Some cities in the world are embracing this trend more than others. In the following, we’ll list six of those cities and what makes them so great for starting up an online business.

 

1. Oslo, Norway

 

As the capital of Norway, Oslo enjoys a booming population, with an economy centered around both private business and government. The city also has a huge maritime shipping presence, with some of the world’s biggest shipping companies calling the city home. It’s also often regarded as one of the most business-friendly cities in the world.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

Oslo has some of the best online infrastructures of any nation on Earth. It makes sense, considering Norway is one of the leading countries for Internet usage. With laws that support business development, low startup costs, plenty of amenities, and a thriving culture filled with friendly people, Oslo is not only a great place to grow your online business, it’s also an amazing place to live.

 

2. Quebec City, Canada

 

Quebec City is a bustling city where old world charm meets new world sensibilities. Cobblestone streets wind their way between sleek, modern buildings that house cafes, banks, tech firms, and other thriving businesses. The city has a rich tradition of cultural celebrations, including the very popular Winter Carnival and Summer Music Festival.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

Quebec City maintains a very high degree of Internet infrastructure, with plenty of bandwidth for all of its citizens. Start-up costs are also incredibly low, with some businesses opening their doors on well under $1,000. Additionally, the city has a very reasonable cost of living index given its size and the number of amenities available.

 

3. Kansas City, Missouri (USA)

 

City on the border between Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City has long been a major transit point for shipping and travel through the American Midwest. With a population hovering just under 500,000, Kansas City has ample space for newcomers and longtime residents to live comfortably. While its best known as the home of General Motors, the city’s economy has expanded far beyond the automotive industry.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

The biggest advantage young startups have in Kansas City is access. Larger cities may have more amenities and more resources but they’re expensive and you have to compete for them. Kansas City has incredibly fast Internet (averaging above 150 Mbps), a very low cost of living index, and a large concentration of college-education citizens. You get everything the big cities have, without the excessive cost.

 

4. Seoul, South Korea

 

Seoul is South Korea’s capital city, as well as its largest urban center. Over 25 million people call the city home. With a large assortment of restaurants, tourist attractions, businesses, and government establishments, Seoul enjoys a reputation as a city that’s constantly on the go. The city is also a center for culture in the country, housing more than 200 museums and monuments, and hosting several annual festivals.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

Seoul is notable for having one of the best quality of life indexes of any major city in the world. It’s making a name for itself as a major player in the global economy. Fast Internet, ample business resources, and a great network of tech firms ensure that an online business owner has plenty of opportunities to thrive.

 

5. Sheffield, England

 

Most cities in the UK aren’t known for being the most online-literate of places, but Sheffield stands out as the exception. It was one of the launching points for the Industrial Revolution, and today has a bustling economy centered in finance, steel-making, retail, and e-commerce. While the population of just over 500,000 classifies Sheffield as a mid-sized city, it’s also one of the fastest growing areas in all of England.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

Online entrepreneurs will enjoy the fast Internet speeds, manageable start-up costs, and decent cost of living that the city offers. The business-friendly culture in the city, mixed with a relatively small competitive space, means that a new online business can access plenty of resources without the cutthroat competition. For the eco-conscious professional, Sheffield is surrounded by a green belt and the city is making a concentrated effort to convert waste into clean energy.

 

6. Austin, Texas (USA)

 

When people think of Texas, their first impression is often of cowboys wielding a six-shot Colt revolver while they drive a herd of longhorn cattle to the market. That’s a bit outdated. Modern Austin is a city that balances a progressive outlook on business with a “weird vibe” that’s personified in the city’s art and music cultures. Modern tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Oracle often draw new employees from among Austin’s fresh college graduates.

 

Why it’s perfect for an online business

 

Austin is fast becoming the US’ lower-priced option to traditional tech centers like San Francisco and New York City. It’s much more affordable to live in Austin than either of those cities, and the culture is, quite frankly, far more friendly. Nearly half of all Austin’s residents are college graduates, and the Internet infrastructure is excellent, giving you plenty of candidates to employ if you need them.