NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)– A new survey was just released on how friendly each state is to small businesses and Connecticut is ranking pretty badly.

Connecticut is the worst state when it comes to a friendly environment for small businesses. The Constitution State got an F for a second year in a row. This is the 5th year the survey was done. Back in 2012 Connecticut got a D.

“The state needs to immediately re-think it’s operation in respect to small business,” said Professor David Cadden with Quinnipiac University.

The survey was compiled by “Thumbtack”. People there interviewed entrepreneurs throughout the state. And here are some of the findings:

Only 23% of small business owners find zoning to be friendly. 68% of skilled professionals say state labor regulations are considered “unfriendly.”

When it comes to Connecticut’s tax code, 32% say it’s difficult. The survey also looked at training programs and licensing. Again, overall Connecticut got an F.

Bruce Ramirez is the owner of Café Java in New Haven. He moved to Connecticut two years ago from Texas, the state considered the friendliest for small businesses.

“There’s a lot more things that are being taxed,” said Ramirez. “There’s personal property tax, there’s a tax just because we have a hood. We have that kind of stuff that takes you by surprise if you’re not ready for it. There’s quite a bit of it.”

Connecticut was not alone when it came to a bad grade. Illinois, New York, California and Alabama are also at the bottom of the list. Experts say Connecticut’s failing grade needs to serve as a wake-up call.

“Small business is the driving force of job creation,” said Cadden. “If you increasingly make a hostile environment then you’re going to see an impact on job creation in the state and that’s one thing we don’t need to do.”