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.

Nevada Ranks #2 in Business Survival Index 
December 9, 2008--The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) released its 13th annual rankings of the states according to their public policy climates for small business and entrepreneurship in the "
Small Business Survival Index 2008: Ranking the Policy Environment for Entrepreneurship Across the Nation."

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.

 
 
 

Business Expansion and Relocation
Nevada Commission on Economic Development

108 E. Proctor Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 687-4325
Toll Free: (800) 336-1600
Fax: (775) 687-4450
 
555 E. Washington Avenue
Suite 5400
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 486-2700
Fax: (702) 486-2701
 
The Nevada Commission on Economic Development works to diversify the state's economy by attracting businesses to Nevada and expanding businesses in the state. The Commission administers the Tax Incentive Programs offered by the state, including tax deferrals and abatements, as well as the Train Employees Now program. Commission professionals also provide strategic leadership and assistance in areas vital to economic diversification such as Global Trade and Investment.

In addition, the Nevada Commission on Economic Development serves as the gateway to a network of regional development authorities with whom the Commission works very closely. These development authorities are the experts regarding local political climates, business opportunities and real estate costs and availability. They also bring forward Tax Incentive Program applications on behalf of the businesses seeking state incentives.\

Business Expansion and Relocation
Rural Business Incentives and Assistance Programs

Nevada’s tax structure continues to be one of the least burdensome in the nation, allowing businesses and their employees to flourish.

Nevada has NO:
Corporate Income TaxPersonal Income Tax
Unitary Tax
Franchise Tax
Inventory Tax
Inheritance Tax
Estate and/or Gift Tax
Special Intangible Tax

Click Here for a list of Business Incentives and Assistance Programs for rural areas.