New business incorporations rose 5.3% last year.

According to a Dun & Bradstreet report, new business incorporations reached a record level for the third consecutive year, totaling 668,904 in 1985, compared to 634,991 in 1984. In December, new incorporations rose by 11.8% to 57,958 from 51,844 a year ago, Dun & Bradstreet said. “The record number of new incorporations in 1985 reflects the high level of entrepreneurial activity that has driven the current economic recovery and expansion in the U.S.,” said Joseph Duncan, corporate economist and chief statistician for the business information company.