South Dakota is a modern day blend of Old West attractions and new age industry and research. Our state’s economy is driven by the traditional industries of agriculture, financial services and manufacturing, but gaining momentum are the professional and technical services industries, knowledge-based industries such as biotech and nanotech, and business processes.
South Dakota has the best business climate for entrepreneurs with:
No Corporate Income Tax
No Personal Income Tax
No Personal Property Tax
No Business Inventory Tax
No Inheritance Tax
Detailed Tax Comparison 
South Dakota is committed to building its R&D infrastructure and helping small business flourish in the biotech industry.
- South Dakota ranked 1st nationally for the increase in Academic R&D Expenditures from 2002 – 2007 with a 112.08 percent increase.
- South Dakota ranked 1st nationally for the increase in Industry-Financed R&D Expenditures at colleges and universities from 2002 – 2007 with a 625.4 percent increase.
- South Dakota ranked 1st nationally for Federal R&D Expenditures at colleges and universities from 2002 – 2007 with a 127.96 percent increase.
In South Dakota, you keep what you earn, and government works to eliminate red tape and roadblocks. In 2009 we’ve been recognized for:
| Rank |
Title |
Source |
| Best |
Entrepreneurial Friendliness |
Small Business
Entrepreneurship Council |
| Best |
Pro-Business Climate Ranking |
Business Facilities Magazine |
| Best |
State Tax Business Climate |
Tax Foundation |
| 6th Best |
Corporate Business Climate |
Pollina Corporate Real Estate |
| Best |
U.S. Economic Freedom Index |
Pacific Research Institute/ Forbes |
More Business Rankings:
