The 7 Best States to Start a Business Ranking the states based on how friendly they are to entrepreneurs
When it comes to starting a business, the question of "where" can be just as important as "what," "why," and "how." Some states offer better business climates for entrepreneurs than others. And in today's economy, entrepreneurs need all the help they can get when launching a new business.
U.S. News decided to look at two comprehensive studies that take completely different approaches to measuring the friendliness of the 50 states to entrepreneurs: the 2008 New State Economy Index, by the Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, and the Small Business Survival Index 2008, by the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council.
They combined the rankings of these two studies to help come up with their list of the top seven states for starting a business. Click here to learn what they found.
SBE Council chief economist Raymond J. Keating, author of the study, said: "The U.S. economy is in a serious downturn, and the outlook for a robust recovery seems remote. That means state and local policymakers face some very difficult decisions, especially on budget matters. Depending on the policy course that state lawmakers choose, they can either make the economic situation in their own state better or far worse."
In terms of their policy environments, the most entrepreneur-friendly states under the "Small Business Survival Index 2008" are: 1) South Dakota, 2) Nevada, 3) Wyoming, 4) Florida, 5) Washington, 6) Texas, 7) South Carolina, 8) Alabama, 9) Virginia, and 10) Colorado. The more difficult state policy environments for entrepreneurs include: 40) West Virginia, 41) Hawaii, 42) Iowa, 43) Vermont, 44) Massachusetts, 45) New York, 46) Minnesota, 47) Rhode Island, 48) Maine, 49) California, 50) New Jersey and 51) District of Columbia.
What CEOs are saying about Nevada When Development Counsellors International (DCI) conducted its survey last summer, CEOs ranked Nevada as the 5th best business climate in the U.S. Click here to read what CEOs are saying about Nevada. To download a copy of the full report, visit DCI's website by clicking here.
If you are interested in the benefits of doing business in Nevada, you’ve come to the right place.
The Nevada Commission on Economic Development is your business resource.
Whether your company is considering moving to Nevada, is already here and ready to expand, or you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business, this website has the information you need to successfully do business in the Silver State.
Our mission is to maintain a diverse economic base, ensure a healthy economy through quality jobs and competitive wages, and provide a quality of life that attracts and retains businesses.
If you’re a small business going after a big government contract, our experts can help you seal the deal.
If you live in a rural community that wants to remain economically viable, we have specific steps you can take to turn your vision into reality.
Our programs are designed to remove barriers and help businesses achieve success. Whether your company is entering the global market for the first time or you’re an experienced exporter, you’ll receive the help you need to grow your business and market your products and services to national and international audiences.
If you’re ready, we’re eager to help you do business in Nevada.
Best regards,
Brian K. Krolicki Lieutenant Governor Chairman, Nevada Commission on Economic Development
Commission Meetings
Commission meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month. For consideration at a meeting, requests and applications must be received 30 business days prior to the meeting. Meetings are agendized and posted in accordance with Nevada's Open Meeting Laws. The next scheduled meeting of the Commission on Economic Development is Wednesday, August 19, 2009.
NCED Solicits Proposals for Marketing Services The Commission is currently seeking proposals for marketing services to assist the agency with its brand design, website, collateral materials and media buys. The proposals are due July 24th for opening at 2:00 p.m. Click here for a copy of the proposal.
Recent NCED e-News
NCED's NevadaSpirit glossy print magazine has been replaced with an e-newsletter. The new electronic format allows us to provide our readers with brief, easy-to-read articles. Below are the most recent newsletters.
On The Road Again: July 13 NCED to Continue Rural Community Outreach Efforts in Fernley The Fernley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a workshop with the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and the Nevada Commission on Tourism to present community development programs. Imagine citizens willingly coming together in a community planning process; or a renewable energy project with high paying jobs coming to the area; or building a community center with funding from local charitable giving; or witnessing a downtown business revitalization through local volunteer efforts. In the afternoon, there will be a business development workshop for local businesses to learn about expanding their business through government contracting, global trade and marketing. The event is being held at Fernley City Hall in the City Council Chambers. It is free to Fernley Chamber of Commerce members and $10 for nonmembers. To learn more about the events, download the flyers below.
CDBG Annual Forum 2009 This year the Rural Community Development Program will hold its Community Development Block Grant Forum on September 14, 2009 in conjunction with the NACO Annual Conference at Harvey’s Casino at Lake Tahoe.Important issues are discussed and crucial decisions are made.Guest speakers will provide insight and information along with clarifications to questions raised.Click hereto download a registration form, or for further information contact Suzy Richards at cdbg3@bizopp.state.nv.us.
Wells Community Assessment Completed Community assessments provide the first step, the visioning step, in the strategic planning process. Without a plan, there is no roadmap to success. The Wells Community Assessment was made possible through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. The City of Wells applied for the CDBG funding in December of 2007, which was awarded in July, 2008. The Nevada Rural Development Council facilitated the process. Lovelock/Pershing County and Douglas County are planning Community Assessments in 2009. Click here to read the Wells Community Assessment.
Main Street Gardnerville Hires Program Manager Main Street Gardnerville, Nevada's only nationally recognized "Main Street" community, has hired Paula Lochridge as program manager.
Incorporated in 2008, Main Street Gardnerville, joins more than 1600 towns, cities and counties across the U.S. This program was started by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the early 1980s, and has facilitated more than $44 billion in downtown reinvestment.
Casino at Lake Tahoe.