If you want to start a business in the USA then you need to select the best state. It is very important so that you can earn a decent amount of profit and become a successful entrepreneur.
In this article, we will tell you about the 15 best states to start a business in the USA. These states have their significance and are famous for many businesses.
If you are interested to know about these states and why they are the best states for starting a business then, you came to the right article.
Let’s explore these states.
15 Best States You Can Choose To Start A Business In the USA
1. Texas
This state is the best for starting a business because here you can pay low taxes and it is easy to start a business in Texas. This is one of the reasons that makes it a popular state for entrepreneurs. A corporation named Texas Economic Development has mentioned that the state has the second-largest economy in the USA.
Also, more than 2.7 million small businesses are running in Texas and currently, it is the top exporting state because recently it has exported more than $315 billion in goods.
Starting a business in Texas is easy because it has a good economy and it offers several incentives and programs so that small businesses can grow. This state provides financial support to people that create jobs in the state. Also, it has a low cost of living and large and diverse employees.
2. Florida
Florida is the third-largest and best place in the USA for starting a business because currently, more than 2.7 million small businesses are running in this place. The significant businesses of Florida are tourism, healthcare, and finance.
The main advantage of starting a business in Florida is the lack of income tax and it helps small business owners to save costs. Florida also offers several incentive programs for businesses, including the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund and the Quick Response Training Program.
3. Georgia
This state has a good economy and policies are very liberal so that anyone can start a business. Georgia is the ninth-largest economy in the USA and more than 1 million businesses are operating here. Also, it is famous for technology and innovation companies, and major tech companies like Google and Microsoft are running their business in this state.
This state offers several incentives and programs to support small business owners. For example, the Georgia Job Tax Credit provides tax credits to businesses that create jobs in the state. It also has a low cost of living and highly educated employees.
4. North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the best states to start a business in the USA because you have to pay low taxes and this state is famous for reasonable regulations and a diverse economy. The GDP growth rate is more than average and you can get highly skilled employees and workers for your business.
Here are some facts that help you decide why North Carolina is the best for a business:
- It has the 5th lowest corporate income tax rate in the country, at 2.5%
- The state has a low cost of living, which translates into lower operating costs for businesses
- North Carolina has a diverse economy, with strong businesses in technology, finance, and healthcare
- The state is home to numerous research universities, including Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State, which provide a pipeline of skilled talent for businesses
- It ranks 4th in the country for net migration, meaning that it is a popular destination for people looking to relocate
5. Utah
This state has a good economy and you can operate your business in a friendly environment. Continuously for the last four years, Utah has been named the number one state for business by Forbes.
It has the 3rd lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 2.9%. The state has a highly skilled workforce, with a high percentage of college graduates. Utah has a low cost of living, which translates into lower operating costs for businesses.
The state has a thriving tech industry, with a high concentration of tech companies and startups. It ranks 5th in the country for economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 4.4%.
6. Indiana
In this state, there are many business opportunities you can have because you can get a friendly environment and also you have to pay low taxes. You can also start a new business very easily in Indiana.
In Indiana, you have to pay the corporate income tax rate of 5.25% and because of the low cost of living, it makes it the best place to start a business. Indiana has highly skilled employees and workers and is famous for its manufacturing and logistics businesses.
The state is home to numerous universities, including Purdue and Indiana University, which provide a pipeline of skilled talent for businesses. It ranks 9th in the country for economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 3.9%.
7. Arizona
It is a great state to start a new business venture. With a growing population of over 7.3 million people and a diverse economy, there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs. The state has a low corporate income tax rate of 4.9%.
Additionally, it offers tax credits and incentives to businesses that create jobs, invest in research and development, and expand their operations. Arizona is home to several high-tech companies, including Intel, Honeywell, and Raytheon.
This state has a highly skilled workforce, with top-ranked universities and community colleges offering degrees in engineering, technology, and business. Arizona is also famous for renewable energy and green technology, making it an attractive destination for sustainable businesses.
8. Tennessee
This state offers a friendly environment, no personal income tax, and a low corporate tax rate of 6.5%. Its central location and transportation infrastructure make it the best place for logistics and distribution businesses.
The state’s economy is diversified and is famous for businesses such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing significantly. Nashville, the state capital, is a thriving city known for its music scene and growing tech industry.
The city has a talented workforce, with graduates from Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University adding to the local talent pool. Tennessee’s pro-business policies, low cost of living, and strategic location make it an attractive place to start a business.
9. Nevada
It is a state known for its business-friendly policies and low taxes. The state has no personal income tax and a low corporate tax rate of 1.17%, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for businesses. Nevada also has a streamlined regulatory environment, making it easy for businesses to operate and grow.
Las Vegas, Nevada’s largest city, is a popular destination for tourism and entertainment. The city has diversified its economy in recent years, attracting businesses in healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, produces a talented workforce in business, engineering, and hospitality.
10. Oklahoma
Located in the heart of America, Oklahoma is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. One of the key factors that make Oklahoma an ideal place to start a business is its low cost of living. As per Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Oklahoma has the third-lowest cost of living in the United States. This means that entrepreneurs can stretch their capital further and have more resources to invest in their businesses.
Moreover, Oklahoma has a diverse economy with a thriving energy sector, aerospace industry, and a growing technology industry. In 2020, Oklahoma was ranked as the 8th best state for business by Forbes Magazine. The state’s business-friendly policies and low tax rates make it a great place to start a new venture.
11. Colorado
Colorado is a state that offers a great environment for new businesses. The state has a highly educated workforce, with more than 44% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This skilled workforce makes Colorado an attractive destination for businesses that require highly specialized skills.
In addition to its skilled workforce, Colorado has a thriving technology sector, with companies such as Google, Amazon, and Oracle having a presence in the state.
Furthermore, Colorado offers several tax incentives to businesses, including a tax credit for job creation and a sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment. These incentives, coupled with the state’s low business costs, make Colorado a great place to start a business.
12. Idaho
It might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of business-friendly states, but it has a lot to offer entrepreneurs. One of the key advantages of starting a business in Idaho is the state’s low business costs.
As per Tax Foundation, Idaho has the 10th-lowest business tax climate in the United States. This means that businesses can keep more of their profits and reinvest in their growth.
Moreover, Idaho has a thriving technology industry, with companies such as Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard having a presence in the state. The state also offers several incentives to businesses, such as a tax credit for research and development expenses and a tax exemption for new or expanding businesses. These incentives, coupled with the state’s low business costs, make Idaho an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture.
13. South Carolina
South Carolina has a lot to offer for small business owners. Its location on the East Coast provides easy access to major markets, and the state’s tax incentives and low cost of living make it an attractive destination for startups.
The state also boasts a low corporate income tax rate of just 5%, which is one of the lowest in the nation. Additionally, South Carolina has a high quality of life, with a thriving cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
In recent years, South Carolina has made major strides in creating a business-friendly environment. For example, the state’s Department of Commerce offers a variety of incentives for businesses that create jobs, such as tax credits and infrastructure grants.
South Carolina is also home to several incubators and accelerators, including the Charleston Digital Corridor and the Clemson University Biomedical Innovation Center.
14. Montana
While Montana may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of business hotspots, the state has a lot to offer entrepreneurs. With a population of just over a million people, Montana may be a small state, but it’s big on natural resources, including timber, minerals, and renewable energy sources.
The state’s low taxes and lack of sales tax make it an attractive destination for businesses, and the state’s economic development agency offers a variety of incentives for companies that invest in Montana.
Montana is also home to several successful startups, particularly in the technology and outdoor businesses. Bozeman, Montana has been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the Rockies” thanks to its thriving tech scene, which includes companies like PFL and RightNow Technologies.
Meanwhile, companies like Simms Fishing and Mystery Ranch Backpacks have found success in Montana’s outdoor recreation industry.
15. Wyoming
It is a state often overlooked by entrepreneurs, but it has a lot to offer for businesses of all sizes. The state’s low taxes and lack of corporate income tax make it an attractive destination for businesses, and the state has consistently been ranked as one of the best states for entrepreneurship. Wyoming is also home to several business-friendly policies, such as its LLC laws, which are among the most favorable in the country.
In recent years, Wyoming has become a hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency startups, thanks in part to the state’s friendly regulatory environment. The state has also invested in several initiatives to promote economic growth, including the ENDOW initiative, which aims to diversify Wyoming’s economy by investing in key businesses like energy, tourism, and manufacturing.
Here is a table that summarizes the economic rank and major businesses of these states:
| State | Economy Rank | Small Businesses | Major Industries |
| Texas | 1 | 2.6 million | Energy, Technology, Healthcare |
| Florida | 4 | 2.7 million | Tourism, Finance, Healthcare |
| Georgia | 10 | 1 million | Manufacturing, Technology, Film |
| North Carolina | 11 | 932,000 | Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare |
| Utah | 12 | 287,000 | Technology, Healthcare, Finance |
| Indiana | 13 | 516,000 | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
| Arizona | 14 | 583,000 | Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing |
| Tennessee | 15 | 576,000 | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
| Nevada | 18 | 266,000 | Tourism, Gaming, Healthcare |
| Oklahoma | 20 | 358,000 | Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Colorado | 21 | 643,000 | Technology, Energy, Healthcare |
| Idaho | 23 | 117,000 | Agriculture, Technology, Healthcare |
| South Carolina | 24 | 390,000 | Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture |
| Montana | 26 | 98,000 | Agriculture, Technology, Healthcare |
| Wyoming | 27 | 28,000 | Energy, Mining, Tourism |
Conclusion
Starting a business in the USA is an exciting and challenging endeavor, but by choosing the right state, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Whether you opt for a well-established business hub like Texas or Florida, or a more up-and-coming state like Utah or Montana, the key is to do your research, stay informed, and be prepared to adapt and evolve as your business grows.
Of course, choosing the best state to start your business will depend on a variety of factors, such as your industry, your budget, and your target market.
