Interactive Map Plots Small-Business Friendliness State By State

Two small business websites -- Thumbtack and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation -- have created an interactive map that plots the small-business friendliness of each state.

Based on a survey of some 13,000 small business owners in the United States, the online map considers a variety of factors most relevant to entrepreneurs. These include tax codes, employee pools, regulations and the general business environment. The map program can filter individual variables, like tax codes and professional licensing, as well as broader terms.

Utah, Idaho, Texas, Virginia and Louisiana were among the highest-rated small-business friendly states in 2014. California and Illinois were rated worst.