Massachusetts has been named the Most Improved State for Business by CNBC as part of its America’s Top States for Business ranking, jumping 18 places from last year and ranking higher than any other New England state. Massachusetts ranked #2 in the nation for education with an A+ and ranked in the top 10 for technology and innovation, quality of life and access to capital.

CNBC specifically called out Massachusetts for being the only state in the nation to continue C3 grants for childcare providers at the same level as the federal government after pandemic funding ended. As a result, the state has added nearly 20,000 childcare seats in the past two years.

CNBC also cited the Mass Leads Act, which Gov. Maura Healey signed last year in a bid to make Massachusetts a global leader in emerging industries like climate tech and applied artificial intelligence, while also building on the success of the state’s life sciences sector.

“This ranking is an encouraging sign for the results we have delivered when it comes to making Massachusetts more affordable and competitive, and making it easier to do business in our state,” Healey said Thursday.