Montana, Oklahoma Top Entrepreneurship Index

Associated Press

HELENA, Montana -- A foundation that studies and promotes entrepreneurship says Montana and Oklahoma topped its list of entrepreneurial activity in 2009.

The Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity says new businesses were created in those two states at a higher rate than in any other state last year.

For every 100,000 adults, 470 created new businesses each month in Montana and Oklahoma, according to the Kauffman Foundation.

Nationwide, business startups in 2009 reached their highest level in 14 years. The foundation says entrepreneurial activity increased 4 percent above 2008. Mississippi had the least amount of entrepreneurial activity, according to the index.

The foundation's index was released this week.