Missouri ranked best state to start a business

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – A recent study of Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicated that Missouri had the lowest number of establishment deaths per 100,000 people in the country.

This means businesses in Missouri are more likely to survive in this state than anywhere else, and Jackson Family Barber Shop is a testament to that.

Matt Sullivan has owned this barber shop in uptown Jackson for the last four years, but it has been in business since 1896. 

“This shop was open through every war, the Great Depression, every disaster,” Sullivan said.

And while COVID presented quite the challenge to the shop and other businesses, this one powered through and survived, and Sullivan said this survival is a testament to how communities like Jackson support small businesses. 

“We have a very loyal following here, and once everything started getting back on track, we have had great success here, and I attribute it to our customers, and that’s with any business,” he said.

Brian Gerau, CEO of the Jackson Missouri Area Chamber of Commerce, said that southeast Missouri has a lot of things that make it a great place to start your business, including the location, economic strength, and quality of life.

“That’s what everybody looks at if they’re going to bring their staff or their employees to a state or to a region,” he said. “They look at all of those things: can they get to other states really quickly? Is the quality of life good? Are there things to do? Entertainment? Is it safe for our kids?”