Texas has been ranked the number one state for business for the 21st year in a row, according to an annual survey conducted by Chief Executive magazine.
Ranked first above all 50 states, Texas has shown a continual dominance over its competition, drawing from the opinions of the nation’s leading CEOs. Polling to determine the ranking centers around consensus regarding statewide business climate, workforce and quality of life. Other notable states ranking among the best in the nation include Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia.
The new administration’s policies have shaken up the corporate, economic and social order, forcing the commercial sector to adapt quickly to stay on top. Texas has demonstrated initiative to pronounce itself as a national and global economic powerhouse, developing as a center for business and finance. Earlier this year, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) announced it would be expanding its operations to Texas, headquartering its electronic equities exchange —NYSE Texas—in Dallas.
Businesses have been flocking to set up shop in Texas’ pro-business climate and robust economy, including powerhouses like Tesla, Amazon, Google and SpaceX. Texas boasts the greatest market value of NYSE-listed companies in the nation, totaling more than $3.7 trillion.
The state has been working to incentivize business and financial development for years and has made great strides since the start of 2025. The Legislature recently created the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO), the state’s own version of DOGE to refine the state’s regulatory process.
Establishing the office is a cornerstone of the Small Business Freedom Council’s efforts to promote better business practices and operations by cutting regulations, implementing stricter standards on new regulations that could impact businesses and support ongoing commercial development.
Small business has been at the forefront of the Legislature’s priorities for this session. Several summits have been organized throughout the year to promote and support small businesses across the state. Upcoming summits will be hosted in Denison, Sugar Land, Hays County, Bastrop, Rockport-Fulton and Waxahachie.
A full list of upcoming events is listed under the “Events Calendar” page on the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office’s website.
Image by Mathias Westermann via Pixabay
