The CATO Institute recently ranked Georgia No. 1 among states with the lowest regulatory barriers. The state’s economy was compared to others with more regulations.

CATO’s “Entrepreneurs and Regulations: Removing State and Local Barriers to New Businesses” report results reflect the rankings that states receive based on weighted scores in the following categories: small business views of regulations, occupational licensing, other entry barriers, and regulation-created costs.

“As the top state for doing business for the past eight years — thanks to conservative leadership in the governor’s office and the General Assembly — it is no surprise that Georgia’s business environment continues to receive top marks,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “This report highlights Georgia’s high ranking in ease of starting a business, labor and hiring laws, and licensing laws. Job creation and economic development in Georgia have remained strong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are building on that momentum thanks to a world-class business environment that encourages investment, innovation and business creation.”

Georgia also earned top marks for ease of starting a business, labor and hiring laws and licensing laws in a poll measuring regulations for small business. South Dakota, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Indiana, Wyoming, Utah and Ohio were also among the top states in CATO’s report.