A new business started nearly every minute of the day in California last year, according to a new report.

The Golden State received 43,265 new business applications per month—or 59 per hour—in 2024, according to Switch On Business, which is equivalent to almost one new business per minute.

But, despite the impressive figure, the study authors, who analyzed business application and census data, found that it was 6.9% fewer applications than in 2023.

Florida received 72 new business applications per hour in 2024—the most of any state, making it the hottest state for startups, according to the study, while West Virginia received just 855new business applications per 100,000 residents in 2024, the lowest rate of any state.

America saw a record number of new businesses in last four years

The previous four-year period saw a record 21 million new businesses launched in the United States, according to January’s end-of-term report by former SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman,

To compare, in 2021, Americans applied to start 5.4 million new businesses—more than two-thirds higher than the annual average of 3.2 million new business applications per year in the five years prior to the start of the pandemic, according to the SBA.

In 2023, some 1.8 million of the 5.5 million new businesses launched with plans to hire workers, according to Switch On Business findings.

California has more small businesses than any other state

California has more small businesses than any other state, employing seven million people.

The state also grabs the lion’s share of America’s venture capital, according to Switch On Business analysis, with California start-ups netting 59.25% of all capital raised nationwide in the first quarter of 2024.

Wyoming is a hot spot for new business creation

Wyoming received 10,133 new business applications per 100,000 residents in 2024—the highest rate per capita of all fifty states, according to Switch On Business. However, report analysts found that people outside the state made many business applications.

To compare, California submitted 1,317 business applications per 100,000 residents in 2024.

“[Wyoming’s] business-friendly tax structure, minimal regulatory requirements, and strong privacy laws have made it a preferred destination for business registration, especially for non-U.S. residents and out-of-state entrepreneurs,” according to Start in Wyoming.

Top 10 states with the most new businesses in 2024

States with the most new business applications submitted in 2024, according to Switch On Business analysis:

1. Florida (634,321)
2. California (519,182)
3. Texas (490,063)
4. New York (292,292)
5. Georgia (243,088)
6. Illinois (171,878)
7. North Carolina (163,499)
8. New Jersey (153,350)
9. Pennsylvania (146,789)
10. Ohio (145,512)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — In a significant milestone for law enforcement in California, 125 cadets graduated today from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy in West Sacramento, marking the largest graduating class since June 2022, when 128 officers were sworn in.

This ceremony highlights the successful completion of a 26-week, intensive training program that prepares the officers for their duties across the state.

The new officers will be assigned to various CHP offices throughout California, with one of the notable officers, Damian Alvarez of Desert Hot Springs, being assigned to the Barstow Area office.

According to CHP, Alvarez, who previously worked as a Lead Valet at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, is among the diverse group of graduates now beginning their law enforcement careers.

“Today, we celebrate the dedication and perseverance of our newly promoted officers,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a statement. “Their commitment to integrity, service, and the safety of our communities embodies the core values of the CHP. As these officers begin their new role, they will carry the trust of those they serve — and with that, the ability to make a lasting impact.”

Cadets, including Alvarez, underwent comprehensive training during their time at the CHP Academy. This training focused on critical areas such as traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency, emergency vehicle operations, and community policing.

They also received instruction on legal responsibilities, communication skills, ethical conduct, and cultural diversity awareness to ensure they are prepared to serve all California communities effectively.

The graduation of 125 new officers is part of a broader recruitment and hiring effort by the CHP. According to the CHP, nearly 300 cadets remain in training, with an additional 160 cadets scheduled to start their training on April 7.

This ongoing recruitment campaign was launched in response to the state’s need to fill 1,000 officer positions by hiring qualified individuals, a goal that was surpassed in November 2024.

“The CHP is actively recruiting dedicated individuals to make a difference in communities throughout California. As a CHP officer, you can make a meaningful impact by enhancing road safety, enforcing traffic laws, and responding to emergencies,” said the CHP in a press release. “With comprehensive training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, the CHP offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path for individuals committed to upholding the highest standards of service and professionalism.”

Alvarez and his fellow graduates are now ready to step into their new roles, joining the ranks of the CHP officers tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the state’s roads and communities.

The CHP’s mission is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security, and the new officers are poised to carry on this vital work.

To learn more about joining the CHP, please visit our website to take the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement.

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Several states consider price requirements

While the California proposal will face opposition from ISPs and is not guaranteed to become law, the amended bill has higher speed requirements for the $15 plan than the existing New York law that inspired it. The New York law lets ISPs comply either by offering $15 broadband plans with download speeds of at least 25Mbps, or $20-per-month service with 200Mbps speeds. The New York law doesn’t specify minimum upload speeds.

AT&T stopped offering its 5G home Internet service in New York entirely instead of complying with the law. But AT&T wouldn’t be able to pull home Internet service out of California so easily because it offers DSL and fiber Internet in the state, and it is still classified as a carrier of last resort for landline phone service.

The California bill says ISPs must file annual reports starting January 1, 2027, to describe their affordable plans and specify the number of households that purchased the service and the number of households that were rejected based on eligibility verification. The bill seems to assume that ISPs will offer the plans before 2027 but doesn’t specify an earlier date. Boerner’s office told us the rule would take effect on January 1, 2026. Boerner’s office is also working on an exemption for small ISPs, but hasn’t settled on final details.

Meanwhile, a Massachusetts bill proposes requiring that ISPs provide at least 100Mbps speeds for $15 a month or 200Mbps for $20 a month. A Vermont bill would require 25Mbps speeds for $15 a month or 200Mbps for $20 a month.

Telco groups told the Supreme Court last year that the New York law “will likely lead to more rate regulation absent the Court’s intervention” as other states will copy New York. They subsequently claimed that AT&T’s New York exit proves the law is having a negative effect. But the Supreme Court twice declined to hear the industry challenge, allowing New York to enforce the law.