Business surveys show Delaware with mid-tier to near bottom rankings

 A ranking from Eton Venture Services put Delaware 43rd in a comparison of “business deaths.” Another ranking put the state in the middle of the pack based on a wider range of measurements.

The Eton report compared the number of establishment deaths recorded in June 2022 in each state. The figures are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and weighed against the population to determine the final ranking.

The report from Forbes Advisor, which took into account 18 metrics, ranked Delaware 26th, behind Tennessee and Kentucky. The ranking took into account the business climate, financing and taxation as well as the business survival rate.

Missouri topped the Eton list as the best state to start a business, with just 139.43 establishment deaths per 100,000 people. Missouri has a low corporate income tax rate of just 4% and various tax incentives. Pennsylvania ranked third. North Dakota ranked first, according to Forbes Advisor data.

On the other end of the scale, Washington is the worst state to start a business, with 541.75 establishment deaths per 100,000 people. 

Forbes Advisor ranked Vermont at the bottom.

See Eton rankings below:

On the other end of the scale, Washington is the worst state to start a business, with 541.75 establishment deaths per 100,000 people. 

Chris Walton, CEO of Eton Venture Services, said,: “It’s fascinating to see which states have landed in the ranking, and whether the number of new businesses in each one will rise in future due to the findings.” 

“However, regardless of where your state ranks, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research into the market you wish to operate in to ensure there is a place for you; not to mention, researching the incentives in your state could provide you with financial assistance, so it’s important to see what’s available.” 

Delaware has several programs through the Division of Small Business and other nonprofits