Orlando, Florida is the 17th best place for entrepreneurs to start a business.  The rankings were calculated through a formula that took into account population, employment and small business growth according to portfolio.com.  Topping the list is Austin, Texas, followed by Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Raleigh, NC; Charleston, SC and Portland Maine.  The South is the most promising region for small businesses.  Out of 100 cities ranked on the list Jacksonville ranked 13th; Tampa-St.Petersburg 51st; Daytona Beach 17th; and Lakeland 86th.

At the bottom of the rankings is Detroit, Michigan, which continues to pay the price for the decline of the domestic automotive industry.  The Detroit area lost 298,000 jobs during the past five years which is the worst in any metro area.