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 Meeting The next meeting is Wednesday,May, 20, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. An agenda and the locations will be posted in accordance with Open Meeting Laws.
NCED Releases RFP for Public Relations Services In accordance with Purchasing guidelines, NCED is seeking proposals for public relations services to assist the agency in meeting its strategic objectives. Click here for a copy of the RFP.
Nevada's Exports Surpass $6 Billion Mark
Nevada’s companies racked up a record-breaking $6.119 billion in exports in 2008, continuing the state’s sixth consecutive year of increasing export activity according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce and distributed through the Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED). Nevada’s exports for 2008 totaled $6.119 billion an increase of $405.16 million or 7.1 percent over 2007. The state’s exports, excluding precious minerals, were $3.1 billion, an increase of $243.7 million, or 8.5 percent more than 2007. “Nevada’s companies clearly have the quality products the global marketplace is currently seeking,” says Mike Skaggs, NCED’s executive director. “Our goal is to get more Nevada companies exporting and bringing new revenues into the state.”Click here for the full press release.
Business Workshops
May 13, 2009 Made in Nevada Marketplace
Nevada is known for its wide open spaces, blue skies and Western heritage. That is reflected in the goods created here and sold at the Made in Nevada Marketplace. The arts, crafts, foods and manufactured goods produced in Nevada display artistic pride and fine craftsmanship.
The Made in Nevada Marketplace debuts at the Nevada State Library and Archives Atrium in Carson City on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a one-day food, art, gift and manufactured goods trade show.
Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your products. You must be a Made in Nevada member company to participate in the Marketplace. Join Made in Nevada today!
Call Lynette Castillo at (775) 687-4325 or e-mail her to learn more about the many benefits of a Made in Nevada membership.
If you don't make a product, but would like to support Made in Nevada, become a Business Sponsor or Friend of MIN. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
Noteworthy
May 8 Closing Date Pershing County Economic Development Seeks Executive Director Pershing County Economic Development, a private nonprofit organization, seeks a qualified executive director to work closely with Pershing County and City officials and community leaders to develop and direct economic development programs for the purpose of retaining and expanding existing business, attracting new businesses, and securing state and federal grants and funding. A letter of interest and a 2-page resume must be submitted no later than May 8 to Mayor Mike Giles, City of Lovelock. Click here for the complete position description.
May 10-16, 2009 Gathering Genius: Scientific discovery takes center stage in Reno The 2009 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) will bring 1,600 exceptional high-school science students from more than 50 countries to Reno to compete for $4 million in prize money as semi-finalists in the world’s largest science, math, and engineering competition. The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority estimates this event will bring $6.6 million in tourist revenue to the region. Download the flyer or view Illustrated Minds. To visit their website click here.
Eureka County Economic Development Program to host "Show Whatcha Brung" May 15 & 16 This is a "Show What Ya' Brung" event. Just bring your favorite ride, whether it's a hot rod, vintage, custom (motorcycles welcome also) or just your daily driver and enjoy some great hospitality! Although there is no admission fee, there is a registration fee of $25 per car which includes 2 T-shirts and dash plaque. Some cash prizes and trophies will be awarded also.Click here for the flyer.
June 18 Deadline Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization Accepting Proposals NIREC invites the submission of proposals for project work applicable to the renewable energy field. All applications will be subject to peer review process conducted by NIREC's Technology & Commercialization Advisory Board. For more information on the application process, click here. Or visit www.nirec.org.
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.
13, 2009