Maitland has been ranked as the fifth best place in NSW to start a business in 2026, according to new research from accounting software company Reckon.

The region achieved an overall score of 52.59 out of 100 after Australia’s 50 largest cities were assessed across 17 socioeconomic factors.

The study considered four major categories: talent pool, business landscape, internet speed and cost of living.

Maitland’s strongest result was recorded for internet speed, with the region receiving a score of 70.70.

Reckon said strong connectivity could help start-ups operate efficiently, support remote working arrangements and manage their day-to-day operations without significant internet limitations.

The region also recorded a talent pool score of 50.46 and a business landscape score of 47.84.

However, its overall result was reduced by a cost-of-living score of 39.08.

Maitland maintained its position from the previous year, ranking 21st nationally for the second consecutive year.

Sydney was named the highest-ranked NSW location, followed by Morisset-Cooranbong, Dubbo and Wollongong.

Despite several regional centres performing strongly, no NSW city appeared among the national top 10.

Reckon chief executive officer Sam Allert said the results showed regional areas were becoming increasingly established as business hubs.

“By comparing results from 2024 through to 2026, we learned that regional areas are becoming increasingly established as attractive business hubs,” he said.

“Whether you own a start-up or an established business, it is more important than ever that business owners keep track of the evolving climate and any factors that could impact how and where their business operates,” he said.

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