Survey gives Louisiana an 'A' for small-business friendliness

Published May 11, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated May 11, 2012)

In a new report compiling results from a two-month survey of more than 6,000 small-business owners nationwide, Thumbtack.com has released data showing respondents rank Louisiana among the top five friendliest states towards small business in the nation. With an overall "A" grade, Louisiana got its best marks for its zoning, licensing, regulations and network programs (all graded "A+") and its worst for hiring costs ("D"). "Louisiana soared above its rivals nationwide in a variety of rankings, earning numerous 'A+,' 'A' and 'A-' grades in a variety of categories where it achieved top rankings—No. 5 most friendly state overall towards small businesses, No. 8 easiest state overall for starting a new business, No. 4 friendliest business regulations nationwide, and No. 3 friendliest licensing regulations nationwide," reads the report. "The state's small businesses also ranked themselves as the No. 6 most healthy nationwide." See the results of the full survey, which was conducted in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, here, and click on Louisiana to see the state's specific report.

Today's poll question: How would you grade Baton Rouge's friendliness toward small businesses?