CNBC names Sarasota among best places to start a business

Local beaches and culture may be the biggest attractions in the city of Sarasota, but its business climate is also one of the best in the country, according to a list released by CNBC last week.

The news website ranked Sarasota No. 15 on its list of the best places to start a business in the U.S., citing a low unemployment rate and a favorable tax environment. The ranking also highlights the local — and growing — e-commerce industry as another draw.

Sarasota was the only municipality in Florida to make the list.

“Google named Sarasota the city with the top online business presence in Florida, based in part on the ability of customers to make a purchase from a web page as well as mobile-friendly websites,” author Susan Caminiti writes in the listing.