Lexington County and SC are great places to start a business.

Local survey respondents say they have even have more to be optimistic about.

84% claim this is a great place to launch a business — the highest percentage of any states polled by 1st Citizens Bank.

California was reportedly the least start-up friendly with 61% feeling optimistic about their in-state support, followed by Wisconsin (66%), North Carolina (72%) and Florida (80%).

Despite the economic uncertainties of the pandemic, the bank’s 6th annual Small Business Forecast found 66% of small business owners  remain optimistic about the long-term economic outlook.

Before the pandemic hit the U.S., 68% of all survey respondents from South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Wisconsin and Florida said they had a positive outlook on the country’s economic future.

“This year has been unpredictable but our report shows that small business owners have not let the challenges impact their positive perception,” Doug Sprecher, the bank's director of sales strategy said.

Business owners between age 18 and 34 who manage more than 51 employees and own an enterprise under 10 years old are the most confident.

Of those planning to grow and expand their business in the next 6-12 months, 44% indicated they will do it by hiring more employees.

26% noted investments in technology.