Do you know where your state stands when it comes to taxes, regulations and licensing for businesses? The Kauffman Foundation, a think-tank, annually asks thousands of small businesses about local requirements for hiring, regulations, zoning, licenses, health insurance, training and more. They then analyze that data and grade each state based on how business friendly their policies and taxation rules are.

Learn what the best states for business are (and if your state is among them) in the following article.

Read the source article at The Economist

How to grow a business in any state

What if you don’t live in one of the best states for business? Fear not, because there’s a lot you can do as a business owner to help your business grow and prosper in a less business friendly state. Here are few tips that will help you no matter where you live:

• Keep learning. Knowledge truly is power. Whether you attend a seminar, read a book on marketing or attend a public speaking class, you’ll gain an important edge if you make a commitment to education. To get started, check out these top books for business owners.
• Look for ways to improve your operations. Whether it’s finding ways to cut costs, motivate employees or work more efficiently, there is a lot you can do to run a better business. Read how one small business owner improved accountability (and ultimately profits) at his workplace.
• Get social media savvy. A strong online presence is essential for today’s business owners. Besides a website, you should also consider getting active on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Also, focus on ways to get more online reviews of your business. Find out valuable tips on how to get more Google+ reviews.
• Make sure your business is properly protected. The right coverage can help you bounce back in the event something unfortunate happens. Talk with an Erie Insurance Agent to learn what you need in business insurance.

Owning a business is not easy, and that’s especially true if you live in a state with a less-than-ideal business climate. Still, you have the power to shape your business’ destiny no matter where you happen to live. So focus on what you can control–it might be more than you think.