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.

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Nevada Commission on Economic Development website, your Nevada business resource. We are the leader in developing and maintaining a diverse economic base, ensuring a healthy economy for the Silver State. Whether your company is considering moving to Nevada, is already thriving here or you’re an entrepreneur looking to start up, the NCED site is a thorough collection of the information needed for doing business in Nevada. The processes may seem complicated, but consider NCED and the vast amount of information we provide the silver lining for your business.


Business License and Taxation Requirements
A business license is needed for each person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, business association and any other similar organization that conducts an activity for profit, including an independent contractor or sole proprietor. A trade show or convention held in this state in which a business previously described takes part, or in which a person who conducts such a business attends, for a purpose related to the conduct of the business also needs a business license. Detailed information on the business license application process and taxation rates may be obtained at the Department of Taxation web page.

You may obtain an application form from the Nevada Department of Taxation office nearest you, or you may click on Nevada Department of Taxation above to locate and download forms.

Select Local Business License Offices
A local business license is required to operate a business in nearly all cities, most counties, and many other locations. This is in addition to the State Business License. Please contact the appropriate business license office to determine the specific licensing requirements. The Nevada Business Registration Form available from the Department of Taxation may be used to apply for a local business license as well. Contact your local government office(s), or you may find the applicable office(s) in the limited list below:
 
 
 
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