Virginia Beach is the easiest city in which to start a business, and the second-friendliest to small businesses, according to new ratings published by CNNMoney.com. Virginia Beach received an A+ in both friendliness and ease of starting a business.

The study rates metropolitan areas for ease of starting a business, government support of entrepreneurs and more, according to the Thumbtack.com report. The study, drawing upon data from more than 7,000 small business owners, provides insights into state and local business environments across the nation.

Virginia Beach made the list because of the amount of federal dollars available for small businesses. Proximity to the world's largest naval station was cited as a key factor. The city’s status as a haven for veterans and as a vacation destination plays into its success as well.

"We've got the best of both worlds,” said Kevin Kordek, president of A-Active Termite & Pest Control in Virginia Beach. “The military and resorts provide a constant influx of consumers buying goods and services." Kordek started his business in 1995.

“We know that a lot of the city’s growth and success is from small businesses,” said Warren Harris, director of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. “We are proud to be recognized for our innovative programs and welcoming business climate.”

The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international business and industry that results in the creation of new capital investment and jobs that increase the per capita income in the community. The City of Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of 437,000 and is the 39th largest city in the United States. The City of Virginia Beach was ranked as one of the best run cities in America, by 24/7 Wall Street in 2012, and in 2011, Virginia Beach ranked number one for economic growth potential by Business Facilities. In 2012, the Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council, one of only 29 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. In 2011, the Department won an Award of Excellence for its marketing efforts from the International Economic Development Council.

For more information, visit www.yesvirginiabeach.com.