There are over 70,000 startups in the U.S. in 2022, an impressive number that can partially be attributed to the startup breeding ground that is Silicon Valley. However, California is far from the only state in which ultra-successful startups are sprouting. There is a myriad of additional states offering founders interesting incentives and tax breaks, meaning that today, Silicon Valley is only one of many startup hubs.
The Best and Worst States to Start a Business
Deciding the optimal state in which to start your company up depends on many factors. For many entrepreneurs, founding their startup in the state where they live or where the business has its main physical presence is ideal because they can avoid paying foreign corporation fees. They may also be more familiar with local banks and their state’s tax requirements. It also depends on how strict business license compliance laws are. For instance, it is known that states like Alabama, California, and Virginia have some of the toughest compliance laws. Corporate taxes are also relevant, since some states (including New Jersey and Pennsylvania) have high corporate taxes. States may also have different formation and annual compliance fees. The stricter business laws are in a state, the more difficult it may be to attract the attention of investors.
Optimal States to Start a Business In
Executive network, Chief Executive, has found that the best states to start a business in are Texas, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana. Take Texas, which stands at the number one spot. The Loan Star State has a low cost of living, no individual income tax, and a 6.5% corporate tax with sales and use tax exemptions for equipment and machinery. A Texas LLC costs just $300 to form, and it has choices on how it will be taxed. It also has minimal formalities and no restrictions on the number of its members. Florida, meanwhile, has a 5.5% corporate income tax and North Carolina boasts a corporate tax rate of just 2.5%! If you expect your startup to grow and make considerable revenue, then tax is definitely a priority when it comes to predicting profits.
Additional Considerations
Tax matters aren’t everything. Factors such as access to capital, available talent in the workforce, and affordable office space are all optimal in the Top 5 states. In a study by WalletHub, Texas was once again found to have the highest combined score, when all these factors were taken into account. Business.com’s business reporter, Deborah Sweeney, meanwhile, has found that traditional ‘corporate darlings’ like Nevada and Delaware are starting to take a backseat to new, trending startup havens like Florida and Wyoming. The latter, for instance, ranks third in the US for fiscal health and it has a budget surplus that can go to tax relief for startups looking to set up shop there. The cost of living is another key consideration for most entrepreneurs. When companies choose to launch in a state like Texas, it isn’t always because of the numbers. Factors such as low electricity prices, affordable real estate, and a favorable business environment are all doing their share to make this state attractive to those who don’t mind making a move for the future of their business.
Startup Hubs are Made, Not Dreamed
Indiana is the perfect instance of how a state that had never been known for this type of business, is now a highly coveted startup location. The magic began when business leaders from the state came together to find a way to kickstart their economy. They realized that the problem was a lack of capital, and they approached then-Indiana Gov. Bob Orr and pitched a venture capital firm that would solely invest in new tech companies founded in Indiana. Their idea was accepted and anyone investing in this new state-supported venture capital firm would receive a 20% tax break. In 1981, Indiana’s forest venture capital fund was created. It was key to the creation of what is now Indiana’s lively tech scene.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Launch Your Startup?
There are many considerations you will have to make, both personal and in terms of the global and national economic climate. Generally, if your product is ready, you have gathered the investment you need, and you have enough time and freedom to generate creative ideas to boost the value of your product, you are probably ready to forge ahead. If there is a big demand for your products or services, then you should not let the threat of a recession hold you down. Many successful startups (including Airbnb, Groupon, and Venmo) were founded during a recession. Moreover, interest rates may rise if you leave it too late.
If you have been dreaming of launching a startup, and you have the funding you need to do so, why wait? Son long as demand won’t wane in the event of a startup, your product is probably safe to go ahead. Although launching in your hometown can be comfortable, consider the possibility of starting up in a state with a good standard of living, low monthly expenses, and major tax breaks for your company.
