The Small Business & Entrepreneurship (SBE) Council annually ranks US States on how friendly of a business climate they provide. By choosing a state in which policy is business friendly, you can improve you odds for success for your small business.
The Small Business Survival Index 2009 ranks states according to their public policy climates for small business and entrepreneurship. The factors included in the Index - taxes, various regulatory costs, government spending, property rights, health care and energy costs, and more - make a difference when it comes to the competitiveness of each state and to the well being of small businesses operating there.
The 2009 Index was expanded to cover 36 major government-imposed or government-related costs affecting small businesses and entrepreneurs. The measures are then added together for an overall rating.
10 Best States for Small Businesses
According to the study results, here are the state the rank highest for small business entrepreneurs:
- South Dakota (Best)
- Nevada
- Texas
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Colorado
- Alabama
- Virginia
10 Worst States for Small Business
Here are the 10 states that ranked the lowest in the 2009 results, meaning they are considered the least favorable for small businesses entrepreneurs when it comes to public policy issues, including tax treatment:
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Vermont
- New York
- California
- New Jersey
- District of Columbia (Worst. Also worst in 2008.)
An interactive map and complete 2009 results by state are available at: http://sbecouncil.org/survivalindex2009>
If You Could Live Anywhere, Where Would it Be?
If you are a full-time telecommuter or home business entrepreneur, you may have the luxury of being able to live wherever you want. Where would that be?
Readers respond: Where are the Best Places to Live?