After surveying more than 12,000 entrepreneurs, Thumbtack.com, in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, has identified Utah as the best place in the country for small businesses.
The annual Thumbtack.com survey is unique in that it is the largest survey of its kind and the only survey to obtain data from an extensive, nationwide sample of small business owners. Professionals grinding the pavement trying to make their businesses successful see Utah as the most supportive state of growing companies.
“After a two-month survey of thousands of small business owners nationwide, Utah has emerged as the top state for business friendliness once again,” said Jon Lieber, chief economist of Thumbtack.com. “Creating a business climate that is welcoming to small, dynamic businesses is more important than ever, and for small businesses looking for an educated workforce and a welcoming environment, Utah is a great place to locate.”
In all 29 counties, in both rural and urban areas, economic development directors across the state recognize the contribution small business makes to a successful economy. By coupling educated, innovative individuals with state resources such as small business development centers and business resource centers, both new and growing businesses have the opportunity to flourish in Utah.
“Business grows where business is appreciated,” said Scott Hirschi, Director, Washington County Economic Development Council. “Utah’s reputation as a welcoming, productive state has been underscored by the results of this extensive survey. Entrepreneurs recognize that the local services and reasonable business regulations Utah offers make a positive difference.
Thumbtack.com and the Kauffman Foundation evaluated states and cities against one another along more than a dozen metrics such as ease of starting a business, ease of hiring and regulations. Utah received high marks across the board. Other top states include Idaho, Texas, Virginia and Louisiana.