States offer different incentives to encourage business

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Franchise Gator Admin

The incentives offered by different states, such as tax breaks, infrastructure or energy costs, can often help get a new business or franchise off the ground.

According to a study by the consulting firm Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Virginia is the best state in which to start a business in 2010.

The study took 31 factors into account, including taxes, infrastructure spending, education, workers compensation and economic incentive programs.

Rounding out the top five were Utah, Wyoming, South Carolina and North Carolina. Midwestern states Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota and Missouri joined Alabama in the top 10.

Economist Ronald Pollina noted that these states offer a “pro-business model” for the rest of America.

New business owners searching for a location might consider the Kansas City metropolitan area, home to about two million people. Kansas City is divided between Kansas and Missouri (both in the top 10), allowing businesses to choose the state incentive program they like best while still serving customers from both states.

Louisiana was the “most improved,” jumping to No. 20 on the list after finishing 40th in 2009. California, for the seventh consecutive year, finished last.