Phoenix falls in ASU ranking of cities that are best for small businesses in North America

When it comes to helping small businesses, Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson rank near the middle of the pack, according to a new Arizona State University study.

Mesa ranked 58th best of 130 North American cities for ease of doing business in the study conducted by the Center for the Study of Economic Liberty at ASU. That was one spot better than Phoenix, which ranked 59th. Tucson finished a bit lower, 69th overall.

Phoenix fell from 20th place in last year's study, the first one conducted. The most notable drop was in starting a business, which evaluates the processes, time and costs to establish a limited liability company, as well as licensing, permitting and more.

Phoenix also fell in other areas including employing workers, getting electricity and paying taxes. 

Mesa and Tucson weren't ranked in the 2019 report, which evaluated a smaller number of 115 cities.

Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson each graded well for resolving insolvencies and obtaining electricity for getting a business started.