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Business in the United States
10 Best States for Starting a Business – Where to Launch Your Startup
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 47 million people quit their jobs in 2021. Then, roughly 5.4 million new business applications were filed, a 53% increase from 2019. If you’re thinking about joining this entrepreneurial club, several crucial decisions lie ahead.
America’s Top States for Business 2024: The full rankings
To rank America’s Top States for Business in 2022, CNBC scored all 50 states on 88 metrics in 10 broad categories of competitiveness. Each category is weighted based on how frequently states use them as a selling point in economic development marketing materials. That way, our study ranks the states based on the attributes they use to sell themselves. We developed our criteria and metrics in consultation with a diverse array of business and policy experts, and the states. Our study is not an opinion survey. We use data from a variety of sources to measure the states’ performance. Under our methodology, states can earn a maximum of 2,500 points. The states with the most are America’s Top States for Business.
Area Development's 2023 Top States For Doing Business
The states considered the best locations for doing business according to an expert panel of location consultants are the highest performers in more than a dozen categories upon which companies make their site selection decisions.
Ranked: America’s Best States to Do Business In
The United States often ranks as one of the best countries to start a business in, but the ease with which one can do business varies state by state. There are many considerations that factor into starting a business like the available workforce, the condition of local infrastructure, access to investors, a culture that’s open to business, and so on.
Relocating Your Business to Another State
Aside from business expansion, here are a few other things to consider before relocating your business:
New markets. Is your target market no longer in the same area as your business? You may relocate to an area or community where there is higher traffic frequented by your target market.
Hiring opportunities. Relocation offers the chance for businesses to tap into a qualified, educated, and talented workforce— but the opposite can be true, too, especially if you are a niche business. Are there enough workers in your new market that specialize in what you do?
Opportunity to lower costs. Some business owners may discover they can significantly save on rent and utility rates if they move out of expensive cities and into suburban areas.
Tax incentives. Tax rates can seriously influence the size of your profit margin, and those tax rates are primarily determined by location. Look for a location with tax rates amenable to you. Some locations even offer tax credits for businesses in specific industries!
Employee experience. Employees want to work for companies that keep their needs in mind. Is your new location better or worse for your employees? Existing employees may like or dislike the new location for reasons of commute time or proximity. These and other factors will influence whether your present employees are ready to relocate with you.
Customer experience. How will your customers be impacted if you move? If your business relies on one type of client or market, be cautious about how relocating could impact that business relationship.
Better quality of life. If the area you currently work in has gradually grown unsafe or unhealthy, moving presents the chance for a better quality of life. Relocation may also help attract emerging talent to your business.
The Best States for Small Businesses in 2022
Annual studies examine business policies around the U.S. to find the best states for small businesses.
The Best States to Start a Business This Year
Listing the states from best to worst requires lots of research. Multiple factors affect each destination in different ways. Starting a business needs office space, employees, and capital. Moreover, each state has its tax rates, some of which affect fresh business owners.
Which are America's best states for business?
A new survey from CNBC looks at the ease of doing business in each US state.
The methodology includes factors like the cost of doing business and access to capital.
This visualization looks at the results.
The Top 10 States by Real GDP Growth in 2023
Fueled by strong consumer spending and a resilient job market, the U.S. economy expanded faster than expected in 2023, with a real GDP growth rate of 2.5%.
Oil-rich states were among the strongest performers in the country as production boomed. Much of this was due to the war in Ukraine driving up the price of oil, spurring companies to boost output. Other sectors, such as retail trade, also played a key role in driving growth amid robust consumer demand.
Forbes: Best States To Start a Business in 2024
To rank the best states to start a business in 2024, Forbes Advisor analyzed 18 key metrics across five categories to determine which states are the best and worst to start a business in. Our ranking takes into consideration factors that impact businesses and their ability to succeed, such as business costs, business climate, economy, workforce and financial accessibility in each state.
Business Around the World
Best Countries For Business
In deciding where to bring their business, companies must define their priorities by weighing multiple operating and human costs. National governments face a similar cost-benefit analysis in setting corporate tax rates and policy. The countries considered the most business-friendly are those that are perceived to best balance stability and expense. These market-oriented countries are a haven for capitalists and corporations.
Best Countries for Entrepreneurs in 2022: Top 10 Rankings
2021 Best Countries rankings, formed by US News & World Report, BAV Group, VMLY&R, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, evaluate countries with various indicators. In this article, we’re going to find out the best countries for entrepreneurs.
Country Risk Information
To better quantify investment risk, including the potential for market illiquidity and volatility; country specific risk charges are incorporated within AM Best's Universal BCAR Model. This enables the analytical team to increase the risk considered within an insurance company's invested assets which could diminish financial flexibility. Countries are categorized into one of five Country Investment Classes (CICs). Country Investment Class 1 (CIC-1) represents economies with relatively stable and liquid capital markets while CIC-5 represents markets with the least liquidity and highest volatility. It should be noted that while there are 5 CRTs and 5 CICs; there is not always a direct correlation between the two classifications. View the list of Best's Country Investment Classes.
Starting an International Business? Consider These 3 Countries
When you start a business, the first question that comes to mind is probably where you'll be located. You might have some ideas about your industry or what type of business you want to start. But where should you set up shop if you're considering expanding across borders and doing international business? Here are three ideal countries for starting a global business based on their ability to accommodate new businesses, lack of stress on the pocketbook and friendly atmosphere for foreigners who want to start something new.
Top 5 International Countries to Start a Business in
Every year, the World Bank Group releases its "Doing Business" report, which ranks the best countries to do business in, based on 10 key indicators.
In 2020, the top five countries best to start a business in were New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Denmark, and South Korea.
According to the 2020 report, 115 countries made it easier to do business in the past year, although Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America generally fall behind; no countries in Latin America make the top 50.
Which are the best countries in the world for entrepreneurs in 2022?
Each year, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) presents its comparative assessment of national entrepreneurial conditions. The aim of this is to rank countries in terms of their ability to encourage new businesses. The results should be of interest to policymakers and entrepreneurs alike.
Globalization Partners
Top 10 Countries to Consider for Global Expansion 2020 and 2021
19 of the best countries to set up a company in 2024
Discover the best countries to set up a company in and equip yourself with all the information you need to successfully expand your business overseas in 2024.
These are the best countries to start or join a business in 2024
Drawing from the latest statistics and trends across various sources, the following countries emerge as prime choices for starting or joining a business in 2024. However, personal preferences, business goals, target market, industry sector, financial limitations, risk tolerance, and growth potential also play pivotal roles. Thorough research and consultation with experts are recommended before reaching any decisions.
The Best Countries to Start a Business in 2024
Starting a business is a significant decision that involves evaluating various factors such as economic stability, regulatory environment, market potential, and access to resources. As we move into 2024, certain countries stand out as ideal destinations for entrepreneurs. Here are the top five countries to consider for launching your business this year.
20 Best Countries to Start a Business in 2024
Check the 20 best countries to start a business. Well, guess what? You’re in luck! Today, we will get closer to the subject that touches everyone and will discover the top countries to start a business and make your dreams come true.
Business Databases
Business Databases
ABI/INFORM Collection (Global, Archive, Dateline, Trade & Industry) This link opens in a new window
This resource enables one to search multiple ABI databases: ABI/INFORM Global, ABI/INFORM Archive Complete, ABI/INFORM Dateline, and ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry. Funded by Florida Virtual Campus.
Business Education in Video This link opens in a new window
Business Education in Video features executive interviews, corporate training video, case studies, "How To" features and documentary films that focus on all aspects of the global business environment. Subjects covered include Globalization, Operations & Logistics, Management, Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International Business, Negotiations, Ethics, Cross-cultural communication, Technology, and much more.
Business (Gale OneFile) This link opens in a new window
Business (Gale OneFile) provides full-text coverage of all business disciplines including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, management and strategy, as well as business theory and practice.
Business Insights: Essentials This link opens in a new window
Formerly Business & Company Resource Center. Includes company profiles, company brand information, rankings, investment reports, company histories, chronologies, and full-text articles.
Business Source Premier This link opens in a new window
A research database with full-text coverage in all disciplines of business, including marketing, management, MIS, POM, accounting, finance, and economics.
Country Commerce
This database changed title. Please see EIU Viewpoint.
DemographicsNow (Gale Business)
Gale discontinued this database as of March 29, 2025.
For related demographic content please see Gale Business Insights
and ProQuest's Statistical Abstract of the United States.
EDGAR Database of Corporate Information This link opens in a new window
Open Access
The US Securities and Exchange Commission's official database of required filings from US public companies, including 10K reports, etc.
Entrepreneurship (Gale Business) This link opens in a new window
This database covers all aspects of starting and operating a business, including accounting, finance, human resources, management, marketing, and tax. It supports prospective and current entrepreneurs as well as business students. The interface is mapped to four key stagesplan, fund, start, and manage.
FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) This link opens in a new window
Open Access
This site offers a wealth of economic data and information to promote economic education and enhance economic research. The widely used database FRED is updated regularly and allows 24/7 access to regional and national financial and economic data.
Hoover's Company Profiles This link opens in a new window
Find up to date proprietary editorial content covering more than 40,000 public and non-public companies and 225,000 key executives. Hoover's, widely recognized as a leading provider of corporate data, delivers in depth industry analyses, information on a company's location, summary financials, top competitors, top officers, and more.
Funded by Florida Virtual Campus.
IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
IBISWorld is a comprehensive collection of Industry Market Research. Reports consist of 30 to 40 pages of key statistics and analysis on market characteristics, operating conditions, current and forecast performance, major industry participants, and more.
Key Business Ratios This link opens in a new window
Key Business Ratios (KBR) provides immediate online access to competitive benchmarking data. This powerful tool lets researchers examine industry benchmarks compiled from D&Bs database of public and private companies, featuring 14 key business ratios (users choose a one-year or three-year set of ratios) for public and private companies in 800 lines of business.
Mergent Online This link opens in a new window
As reported, financial information for public U.S. and international companies including company histories, background and details of debt and equity outstanding.
Regional Business News This link opens in a new window
Provides comprehensive full-text coverage for regional business publications, including business journals, newspapers, and newswires from all metropolitan and rural areas within the United States.
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context) This link opens in a new window
This database covers today's hottest social issues, from offshore drilling to climate change, health care to immigration. It includes pro/con viewpoint essays, topic overviews, primary documents, biographies, periodical articles and more. This is a good source for students to start research or analysis of an issue, to complete writing assignments, prepare for a debate, or create a presentation.
Sage Business Skills This link opens in a new window
SAGE Business Skills helps students develop and practice real-world skills to
transition from campus to the modern workplace through interactive self assessment, virtual scenarios, downloadable data, and expert insights. Supporting a range of courses, a self-guided journey to gain career-ready skill sets for professional success.Funded by Florida Virtual Campus.
Standard & Poor's (S&P) NetAdvantage This link opens in a new window
Standard & Poor's Net Advantage provides nine of its most popular publications: Stock Reports, Industry Surveys, Corporation Records, Register, Stock Guide, Bond Guide, Earnings Guide, The Outlook, and Dividend Record.
Funded by Florida Virtual Campus.
Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political and economic organization of the United States.
Thomas Register This link opens in a new window
Open Access. Free/instant membership may be required for access.
Over 158,000 companies indexed by name, product and service classifications, and specific brand names. Links to online supplier catalogs, company web sites, and summary company profiles.
Corporate Philanthropy
20 Inspiring Corporate Philanthropy Examples
Corporate philanthropy, or the practice of businesses giving back to their communities through charitable donations and social impact initiatives, is more important than ever. Not only do philanthropic companies help to address pressing social and environmental issues, but it can also have a positive impact on the businesses themselves.
Aly Sterling Philanthropy
Samples of corporate philanthropy.
Charity Navigator
Use our ratings to find and support nonprofits that align with your passions and values.
DonationMatch
Corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility
Double The Donation
The word is out – Double the Donation maintains the largest, most comprehensive, and most accurate matching gift database. We know size matters because we’re in the business of helping donors submit matching gift requests.
Your donors will search for subsidiaries, brand names, and local offices. They will misspell company names. The comprehensive nature of the Double the Donation database ensures that no matter what your donors search, they find the right company.
Non-profit Quarterly
Although philanthropy has some commonalities with charity, not all charity is philanthropy, although there will always be overlap.
Selflessly
Selflessly makes it easy for employees to discover aligned charities, donate on demand, track their contributions, and even prepare for tax season. Employees report feeling empowered when they give back. They desire giving to be easy. And, they feel grateful when giving programs are provided by their workplace.
Career Information Resources
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is revised every two years.
O*NET Online
Job descriptions and outlooks
NAICS Industry Codes
NAICS
NAICS Association, LLC offers an array of highly reliable and valuable resources to assist companies in determining all things pertaining to NAICS and SIC Codes. This includes a Free Search Engine and Drill-down tools to assist in assigning appropriate Codes to any business as well as a look-up tool which allows you to check your Dun & Bradstreet listing.
