Entrepreneurial Activity in Montana and the United States

In the midst of a deep national recession, it can be easy to forget that the United
States still has one of the most vibrant and dynamic economies in the world. At the root of the U.S.
economy’s dynamic nature is the expansive range of opportunities available for new business and entrepreneurs.
No one can predict where the next big idea will come from.

However, if history is any indication,
it will likely come from small businesses and entrepreneurs. In the constant struggle to compete
with established businesses, entrepreneurs must innovate, experimenting with new products, services, and
ways of doing business; this leads them to become the driving force behind economic growth. As such,
entrepreneurial activity can be an important indicator of a region’s economic well-being. The question,
then, becomes: How does entrepreneurial activity in Montana stack up to the national activity level?

By Aaron McNay, Economist

Full Report: http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/admin/uploadedPublications/3404_jan09_art.pdf

(Many thanks to the Montana Chamber of Commerce http://www.montanachamber.com/ for bringing this to our attention. Russ)