FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota has been recognized as the most business-friendly state, earning the #1 ranking in CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings for the fifth consecutive year. The Business Friendliness category shows that our state’s efforts to create a supportive environment for businesses in starting, growing, and thriving have paid off.
CNBC’s annual rankings evaluate all 50 states across 135 metric factors that influence business competitiveness, including the economy, quality of life, infrastructure, workforce, cost of doing business, business friendliness, technology & innovation, and access to capital. Business Friendliness means policies, regulations, and business environment that shape how easy it is to grow and operate a company in an area.
“North Dakota’s continued recognition as the most business-friendly state is a reflection of the environment we have worked to build,” said Keith Lund, President & CEO of the Grand Forks Region EDC. “In Grand Forks, we see every day how a supportive business climate, strong partnerships, and a commitment to growth create opportunities for companies to invest and succeed.”
North Dakota has a 77% business survival rate, which is supported by policies designed to reduce the barriers for business, grant opportunities, and many business support programs. The state does not require a statewide general business license, and businesses have access to a variety of tax incentives and financing programs. ND is home to the nation’s only state-owned bank, the Bank of North Dakota, which provides financing programs designed to support businesses across the state.
This recognition comes as the Grand Forks Region EDC implements its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on expanding economic opportunity through primary sector industry growth and diversification. The plan itself prioritizes attraction and expansion, workforce development, marketing and communication, and stakeholder engagement, focusing on agribusiness and ag technology, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems and defense.
As North Dakota continues to lead the country in business friendliness, the Grand Forks region will continue focusing on building on that momentum, supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, and strengthening the partnerships that make long-term economic growth possible.
###