A new report from a CNN Money ranked three Iowa cities — Ames, Des Moines, and Dubuque — among the best cities in the nation to launch a small businesses.  Des Moines was ranked 8th best among mid-size cities. Dubuque (8th) and Ames (18th) both got high marks in the small city category.  Ames and Iowa City were also mentioned as top cities with a highly educated workforce.

The ranking used a variety of factors including educated workforce, crime, and business costs.