Missouri businesses lead the country in year-over-year growth

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- In August, the United States saw its strongest August on record for new business formations, according to Registered Agents Inc.'s latest new business formation report.

Missouri also led the nation in year-over-year growth.

Missouri led all states with a 66.4% growth from August 2025 to August 2026. In quarter four of this year, Missouri is expected to see a 43% growth from quarter four of last year. Whitney Ward, the director of public relations for Registered Agents Inc., explained why the state is seeing this kind of growth.

"Kind of lowering the state income tax has been a huge deal," said Ward. "I know that some of these things have been controversial, depending on where you stand on some of these issues, but strictly from a business owner perspective, they have helped business owners a lot. It just means that business owners get to keep more of their money and pour it back into their business."

Ward is also encouraging residents to consider starting a business, but she isn't the only one. Adrienne Waggoner is a local business owner and explained why residents should consider starting their own business.

"I think the heart to any community is its local community," said Waggoner. "The reality is the pulsing heart of any community is going to be its local businesses."

To view the full report, visit Registered Agents Inc.'s website.