Some of you may not be surprised to hear that a recent survey rated NY a “D” for its overall “friendliness” to small business and was handed an “F” for its ease of starting a business.  Ouch. As a small business owner myself I can testify to the regulatory burdens and high taxes cited by the small business owners surveyed.

The top 5 states ranked best in small business climate were Texas, New Hampshire, Utah, Louisiana and Colorado. (I do so get tired of seeing Texas ranked first on business lists).  New York was joined by Rhode Island, Illinois, Connecticut and California in the bottom five.

The plus side? Even with the looming $15 an hour minimum wage raise for restaurant employees (and potentially statewide if the Governor has his way) at least we were ranked a “B” or better  in training and networking programs and ease of hiring.