South Carolina Leads The Country In Entrepreneurialism

South Carolina lead the country in entrepreneurialism. This is according to new research by VentureSmarter.com. Venture Smarter's researchers analyzed Google trends to see how popular 9 business-related terms are in each state. After compiling the numbers for each term, the researchers came up with a list of the states with the most and the least entrepreneurial spirit. The search terms taken into consideration were: how to start a business, how to open a business, SBA grants, small business ideas, business plan, online business, how to online business, and business proposal.

And South Carolina ranked as the 5th most entrepreneurial state. North Carolina didn't fare too badly either, coming in 12th. That's great news for our economy as we have lots of aspiring business owners in both of the Carolinas. Keep reading to see the top 10 most and least entrepreneurial states. Congratulations to South Carolina and its entrepreneurialism!

In North Carolina we've got lots to be proud of. We are known for so many things from sports teams to tourism, BBQ, and more. Many companies call the state home with major businesses coming to the state often. But did you know that several of your favorite brands have roots in North Carolina? From soft drinks, to snack foods, to fast-food restaurants, and even pain relievers North Carolina businesses have made a lasting impact. But what are some of these companies? Read on to find out.

Cheerwine was first created in 1917 by Salisbury, North Carolina by L.D. Peeler. The cherry soft drink is still going strong and celebrated its 100 year anniversary a few years ago with a festival in downtown Salisbury.

Learn more about Cheerwine

Mt. Olive was founded in the town bearing the same name back in 1926, with only a 3,600 square foot building and $19,500 in capital, according to their website. Today, Mt. Olive has grown to manufacture the best selling brand of pickles in the Southeast. In fact they just announced they are building a whole new facility in North Carolina.

Get more info on Mt. Olive Pickles here

The fast food chain known for it's Cajun seasoning and Bo'berry biscuits Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits location in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Get more info about Bojangles

Get more info on Cookout here

If you have spent much time in North Carolina you are sure to recognize the Hot Doughnuts Now sign. Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph. The chain first opened in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Krispy Kreme here

In 1913 Phillip Lott a food broker from Charlotte got stuck with 500 pounds of peanuts. He sold them and was then inspired to create the now popular snack company.

Get more info on Lance Crackers here

Pepsi dates back to New Bern, NC in 1893. It was first introduced as "Brad's Drink" named after it's founder, with the name Pepsi-Cola and eventually just Pepsi coming later. 

Get more info about Pepsi here

No, Texas Pete is not from Texas. Its origins are actually in North Carolina. It was created by the Garner family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Texas Pete here

Goody's was produced for many years by the Goody's Manufacturing Company, a family-owned business founded in 1932 and based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Get more info on Goody's here

You may have drank the bottled water and if you have a water cooler at work there is a good chance it is Le Bleu. The company is based out of Greensboro.

Get more info on Le Bleu here