(Columbus) — Secretary of State Frank LaRose credited his office’s easy, efficient business filing process for helping Ohio earn the top spot today in CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings.
“Job creators are running to Ohio to escape the unsustainable tax burdens they’re facing in other states that are hellbent on embracing socialist policies,” said Secretary LaRose. “We’ve also seen an incredible surge in small business innovation, where young talent is willing to stay here and new talent is coming in to pursue their dreams of a start-up. Our office is the front door to these new ventures, so this top ranking is a great recognition of the momentum that’s been building for several years.”
Ohio’s strong business climate continues to drive entrepreneurship across the state. Through the first half of 2026, 107,871 new businesses have filed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, putting the state on pace for a historic year of business creation. A new business can be formed for as little as $99 in Ohio, and most filings are processed within one business day, reinforcing the state’s reputation as one of the most accessible and cost-effective places in America to do business.
According to CNBC’s new annual ranking of states, Ohio now ranks No. 1 in the nation for its overall pro-business strengths, marking the first time the Buckeye State has held the top spot since CNBC launched the study in 2007 and the first time a Midwestern state has led the rankings since Minnesota in 2015. Ohio climbed from No. 5 in 2025 to No. 1 in 2026, as Secretary LaRose continues to work to simplify the process of starting a business here.
“Ohio’s rise to the top did not happen by accident,” LaRose added. “It reflects years of work to cut red tape, strengthen our infrastructure, keep costs low, and support the small businesses and entrepreneurs who power our communities.”