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Kauffman Foundation Names Montana Top State for Entrepreneurs

Governor Steve Bullock today highlighted a report from the Kauffman Foundation that shows that Montana continues to have the highest ranking for entrepreneurial activity of all 50 states, with 610 entrepreneurs for every 100,000 adults. That number represents an increase from the previous year’s number of 530 entrepreneurs for every 100,000 adults.

"The entrepreneurial spirit of Montanans has been an important part of our state’s success throughout the years, but has been especially important through the recession and recovery," Bullock said. "These entrepreneurs have helped to strengthen our state’s economy and provide consistent job and wage growth. I want to make sure Montana continues to support this type of innovation and entrepreneurism."

The annual ranking was published by the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, a leading indicator of new business creation in the United States.

In its report, the Kauffman Foundation found that in 2013, while the Montana rate of business start-up had increased, the national business start-up rate had declined slightly – from 0.30 percent of American adults per month starting businesses in 2012, to 0.28 percent in 2013. The report found that entrepreneurial activity is generally the highest in western and southern states. Alaska, South Dakota, California, and Colorado round out the top five states for entrepreneurs.

In the recently released Main Street Montana Project business plan for the state, Bullock highlighted the importance of continuing to nurture emerging industries and encouraging innovation as one of the pillars for economic growth in the state.

The Kauffman Foundation’s report is available at: http://www.kauffman.org/~/media/kauffman_org/research%20reports%20and%20covers/2014/04/kiea_2014_report.pdf

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If you’re interested in starting your next great business in Montana, please visit The Governor’s Office of Economic Development http://business.mt.gov/contactus.htm

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