South Dakota is the home of unsurpassed beauty and a business climate you will not find anywhere else. Study after study ranks South Dakota as one of the best states in the union to do business and as one of the highest qualities of life.

EDUCATION

When it comes to education “South Dakota Students Shine”. In 2014, our students received the nation’s fourth best SAT scores. Our K-12 student/teacher ratio ranks among the top and we offer students a whole host of secondary education opportunities including public and private universities, technical schools and other customised training programmes.

In addition, South Dakota is one of the only states that provides free tuition to students who are pursuing education in select technical fields thanks to the newly established Build Dakota Scholarship.

TRANSPORTATION

South Dakota is ideally located for prompt distribution of goods and services throughout the US. Our air, freight and rail systems provide quick, efficient delivery to all major points in the country.

TAXES AND BUSINESS CLIMATE

South Dakota is home to America’s most famous “great faces” – those found on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is also home to many companies that are experiencing “great profits” as a result of the state’s outstanding business climate. South Dakota is the only state in the nation that has no corporate income tax; no personal income tax; no personal property tax; no business inventory tax; and no inheritance tax.

We understand that you need the most advanced technological infrastructure available to compete in today’s market place. We understand that you need employees that are trained and ready to work. We understand that when you make a profit, you should keep that profit. And, in South Dakota you will do just that with the 3rd lowest cost of living in the nation and the 2nd best business tax climate. We were recently ranked the Best Run State in the US.

KEY INDUSTRIES

South Dakota is a great place for any type of business to grow and prosper. However, we have found South Dakota is especially well suited to companies in the following industries:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Bioscience
• Financial services
• Energy
• Professional business services
• Shooting, hunting and outdoors
• Value-added agriculture

QUALITY OF LIFE

From a business perspective, it is hard to argue with the benefits in South Dakota, but also we believe that our quality of life is the best in America.

TOP QUALITY LABOUR FORCE

South Dakota has long been known for its high-quality labour force. Our people learned how to work on the farm and then took that work ethic to the factories, the processing plants and the service centres. Our companies find an absenteeism rate that is low and employee loyalty that is high. South Dakota’s high-school graduation rates are the 14th best in the country.

In addition to quality, South Dakota can also offer quantity. Where there are quality jobs, there are top quality South Dakota workers. South Dakota is as diverse as its almost 850,000 people. From outdoor activities to art galleries and museums, to professional sporting events, this region offers it all.

South Dakota’s labour force is ingrained with the renowned mid-western work ethic. Our people are dependable, prepared, productive and ready to work. South Dakotans rank 6th lowest in filing for bankruptcy, hold the 4th highest credit scores, and are 7th highest in volunteerism.