CNBC recently published its annual special report of America's Top States for Business putting Illinois at number 30.  The categories measured in these business ranking are:

»  Cost of Doing Business
»  Workforce
»  Quality of Life
»  Economy
»  Transportation & Infrastructure
»  Technology & Innovation
»  Education
»  Business Friendliness
»  Access to Capital
»  Cost of Living

Illinois slipped five spots from the 2009 rankings.  However, Illinois continues to top the charts in the Access to Capital category.  With signs that the economy is on the upswing, this is inspiring for both new small businesses and start-ups.