Ohio
Ohio named 1 of the top places to start a small business, study shows
CLEVELAND — Ohio is making the list yet again and garnering national attention; a new study shows that Buckeye State is one of the best places in America to start a small business.
This all comes as the Small Business Administration reports roughly 33 million in operations here in the U.S. Ohio is ranked the 6th best place in America to start a small business.
Research shows Ohio’s affordability and internal support make it a top spot to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. And for many in Cleveland—it’s working out pretty well.
Molly Cheraso is still in the mix and mixing up plenty of mocktails and alcohol-free beverages inside her Ohio City shop.
“It is so close to the real thing that it gives you a placebo effect,” Cheraso said.
News 5 spoke to the Cleveland mom of two back in May of 2023, as she planned to ditch her career in finance and dive headfirst into small business ownership.
Northeast Ohio mom to open alcohol-free bar, hangout in Ohio City this summer
Northeast Ohio mom to open alcohol-free bar, hangout in Ohio City this summer
“It’s really a new concept for people, which is why I wanted to have a brick and mortar that was really accessible to people here in Cleveland,” Cheraso said.
She opened Verbena Free Spirited—Non-Alcoholic Cafe and Shoppe last July.
It’s located along West 29th Street in the heart of the historic neighborhood.
“We are thriving one year into our non-alcoholic journey here in Hingetown,” Cheraso said.
A new study from Lendio, dubbed a top marketplace for small business loans, just ranked Ohio as one of the top 10 best places to start a small business in America.
They broke down a series of metrics, which include survival rates of a small business, cost of living, business finances and tax incentives. Ohio ranked sixth overall this year. Last year, it was third.
“There are certainly incentive programs that Ohio has to try and help small businesses. But really, that cost of living is the big deal,” said Lockwood Reynolds, professor of economics at Kent State University.
Reynolds says Ohio has no corporate income tax rate, and overall, low taxes coupled with affordability are why it ranked so high.
He says the news is telling, as 5.5 million new business applications were filed last year.
“If you think about the difference between starting a business here in Ohio versus starting it in, you know, like San Francisco or something like that, it’s just the amount of money you would have to bring in from the customers to offset those much higher costs would just make it a very challenging environment,” Reynolds said.
Caitlin Shea moved to Cleveland from Canada 15 years ago as a pastry chef. She capitalized on the cost of living and warm environment.
She opened Philomena Bake Shop and continues to champion other entrepreneurs.
Ohio named 1 of top places to start a small business, study shows
“When a new business opens up, there’s a wellspring of support from neighbors and residents around the area,” Shea said.
As Cheraso continues to build up Verbena, she stresses that the first year in operation, at times, has its growing pains.
But between a strong support system of fellow entrepreneurs and community— coupled with small business loans, grants through the city and overall affordability—she says it’s all possible.
“These people here that have proven to me, they’ve been in business in this neighborhood for ten years with strong businesses. They’ve shown me like it’s very possible to keep a business up and running,” Cheraso said.
Cheraso stresses that all future business owners must research and review the overall demographics.
Consider the cost of living, your income, foot traffic in the neighborhood, and whether people want and need your product.
Everything is traditionally two to three times more expensive, so be prepared to shell out more cash.
She kept her day job as a parachute for the first year of her business.
The study also reports that small businesses in Ohio have a 53% survival rate compared to other states. Most typically make it past that crucial 5-year mark, which is major.
Florida, Texas, and North Carolina topped the list of other best places to start a small business.
For the full list, CLICK HERE.
Piketon, Ohio (WSAZ) – Folks in southern Ohio are waking up to power outages and road closures.
Route 32 in Pike County is down to one westbound and one eastbound lane due to debris on the roadway.
Drivers are also dealing with tree limbs on roadways.
The Athens County 911 dispatcher told WSAZ that it’s not believed a tornado touched down, but there is storm damage.
The dispatcher said storm damage from flooding and trees being knocked down has affected US 50.
Power outages are being reported in Athens, Pike, Vinton, Scioto and Meigs Counties and even as far south as Boyd County, Ky.
If you’re in a tornado warning area, you’re urged to get to the lower part of your home.
Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Clarence Burley, II, affectionately known as “Lil Man,” entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 60, at Summa Health Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio.
Born on May 22, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence was the beloved son of Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley.
He attended Ursuline High School and graduated with the Class of 1984.
Clarence was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed at Classic Optical Corporation as a Lens and Frame Specialist. Known for his skill and precision, he was recognized as one of the top lens shapers during his tenure with the company. He also worked for Goodwill Industries, where his exceptional work ethic earned him recognition and awards for outstanding service.
A devoted fan of the Oakland Raiders, Clarence enjoyed football, boxing, roller skating, and bowling. In his younger years, he was also an accomplished swimmer. He loved life and cherished spending time with family and friends. Whether enjoying a cruise vacation, visiting the lake to admire the water, debating sports statistics from A to Z, or simply sharing laughter with loved ones, Clarence brought joy wherever he went.
Known for his impeccable style, Clarence was often dressed to perfection. He was especially proud of his many Cadillacs, but none more than his beloved Cadillac Seville, affectionately known as “the baby caddy.” He could often be found cruising through the city, listening to music and enjoying the ride. His infectious smile, strength, humor, and generous spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
In 1999, Clarence met the love of his life, the former Cathy Winphrie. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting bond, and they were united in holy matrimony in 2015. Together they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cathy Burley; his children, Shannie (Meisha) Burley of Atlanta, Georgia; DeShawn Burley (fiancée Ziah) of Warren, Ohio; Eddie W. Matthews; and Montell Cochrane; his beloved grandchildren, Zaira, DeShawn, Jr., Deondra, Audrionna, Eddie, Jr., Quiara, Azel, Anyia, Marquel, Aiden, Adalese, Meadow, and Amatureas; five great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Eula Winphrie; brothers-in-law, James (Jamie) Winphrie and Timothy (Kori) Winphrie; sisters-in-law, Regina Winphrie and Azella Burley; niece Helleenia Winphrie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley; his brother, Wesley Burley; and his grandmother, Carrie Davis.
Though Clarence’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His strength, perseverance, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8
A homegoing celebration will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2026 at Jerusalem Baptist Church , a visitation with the family will be 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A couple that was charged after investigators say they abandoned two dogs and a cat at an apartment in Warren entered guilty pleas in Warren Municipal Court this week.
Courtney Iser pleaded guilty to three counts of abandoning animals and two counts of cruelty to companion animals, and Isaiah Gilbert pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to companion animals. Sentencing is set for July 7.
The two were charged in May after the animals were found in unsafe and unhealthy conditions without food or water at an apartment on South Street SE. Police were called to the apartment on reports that the animals had been left without care. Iser was charged first, and Gilbert was charged a short time later.
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