A big boost for the St Catharines/ Niagara area.
The Financial Post had ranked the city and region as one of the top Canadian metropolitan areas to do business.
Niagara now sits at number 12 on the list, up from number 24 a year ago.
The rankings were based on several factors including tax rates, the number of self employed, and overall optimisim.
St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik says it shows that start ups and small business are an integral part of the area's economic revitalization.