COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio now ranks fifth in the nation for its overall pro-business strengths in economy, infrastructure, workforce and business friendliness, according to CNBC’s new annual ranking of states.
“This ranking not only proves we’re open for business in Ohio but also that we’re doing it right,” said Secretary of State Frank LaRose. “Our office serves as the starting point for every new business in this state, and we’re now among the top five pro-business states in the nation, in part because of the work we’ve done to help job creators get started more efficiently, affordably and sustainably than ever before.”
Ohio has continued to see strong business filings in 2025, with nearly 100,000 new filings recorded so far, representing one of the strongest starts in state history.
“With nearly 100,000 new business filings this year, and nearly 16,000 just in May, Ohio is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship,” LaRose said.