The PIA Western Alliance States: 6 in the Top 20 Best to Start Small Business
Published February 17, 2026 at 1:55 PM · News Releases and Bulletins
Starting a small business is tough work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says over 20% don’t survive a year. Half don’t make it five years.
WalletHub says choosing the right place to start a new business is crucial. Spokesman Chip Lupo makes it clear that having all the stars aligning is critical. These are items like the right location, access to capital, access to skilled workers, and finding real estate that’s affordable.
“That’s why it’s crucial to establish your business in a state that will maximize your chances of success,” Lupo said. “The best states have low corporate tax rates, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, easy access to financing and affordable real estate. On top of that, you’ll need to make sure you start in a place with an engaged customer base, if you’re operating locally.”
Six PIA Western Alliance states are in the top-20 best states with three of them — Idaho, Nevada and California — being in the top-10.
1. Florida
Total score: 56.30
Business environment rank: 2
Access to resources rank: 12
Business costs rank: 27
2. Utah
Total score: 55.24
Business environment rank: 6
Access to resources rank: 2
Business costs rank: 31
3. Texas
Total score: 54.07
Business environment rank: 1
Access to resources rank: 11
Business costs rank: 34
4. Oklahoma
Total score: 53.22
Business environment rank: 13
Access to resources rank: 30
Business costs rank: 2
5. Idaho
Total score: 52.49
Business environment rank: 17
Access to resources rank: 13
Business costs rank: 9
6. Mississippi
Total score: 52.43
Business environment rank: 20
Access to resources rank: 41
Business costs rank: 1
7. Georgia
Total score: 52.32
Business environment rank: 5
Access to resources rank: 32
Business costs rank: 21
8. Indiana
Total score: 52.14
Business environment rank: 14
Access to resources rank: 22
Business costs rank: 8
9. Nevada
Total score: 51.83
Business environment rank: 7
Access to resources rank: 14
Business costs rank: 28
10. California
Total score: 51.11
Business environment rank: 3
Access to resources rank: 1
Business costs rank: 49
The rest of the PIA Western Alliance states:
12. Montana
Total score: 50.55
Business environment rank: 10
Access to resources rank: 45
Business costs rank: 6
13. Arizona
Total score: 50.35
Business environment rank: 4
Access to resources rank: 28
Business costs rank: 29
20. New Mexico
Total score: 47.93
Business environment rank: 18
Access to resources rank: 44
Business costs rank: 11
36. Oregon
Total score: 41.48
Business environment rank: 25
Access to resources rank: 20
Business costs rank: 41
38. Washington
Total score: 40.79
Business environment rank: 42
Access to resources rank: 4
Business costs rank: 43
43. Alaska
Total score: 37.77
Business environment rank: 11
Access to resources rank: 47
Business costs rank: 46
48. Hawaii
Total score: 34.80
Business environment rank: 31
Access to resources rank: 48
Business costs rank: 42
When it comes to average growth, the PIA Western Alliance state of Idaho is ranked first and the PIA Western Alliance state of Nevada is 4th. West Virginia sits at the bottom of the country at number 50. When it comes to having success starting a small business the PIA Western Alliance state of Hawaii sits toward the bottom of the nation at number 46.
You’ll find finding financing hardest in the PIA Western Alliance states of California and Arizona. California ranks 47th and Arizona — the worst in the country — is 50.
Source link: WalletHub — https://bit.ly/4aE0t4e