Forbes.com names Virginia ‘Best State for Business’

Published September 25, 2013 by Veronica Garabelli

Virginia is once again the best state for business, according to Forbes.com. The last time the commonwealth was on top of Forbes’ list of “Best States for Business and Careers” was in 2009.

 From 2010-2012, Virginia fell to No.2 on Forbes’ list.

This year, Forbes highlighted Virginia’s diverse economy. “The state ranks on top of the regulatory category because of its strong incentive offerings and business-friendly government policies,” Forbes also said.

According to Forbes, Virginia has ranked among the top two during each of the eight years of Forbes Best States for Business study.

North Dakota was ranked second by Forbes.com this year, followed by Utah, North Carolina and Colorado. Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Georgia rounded out the top 10 list.

The Forbes.com ranking considers states’ business costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.

Virginia placed first in regulatory environment; second in labor supply; fourth in quality of life; fifth in economic climate; 17th in growth prospects; and 22nd in business costs.