Regional Economic Development

The mission of the forum is to initiate relationships with and to create opportunities for start-up companies in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest.

The economists’ report says that not only is the state’s job outlook better than it was in April, they expect 3,000 to 4,000 more jobs each year than previously thought.

“We learned that while Nevada prides itself on being business-friendly, really the entrepreneurs here are fending for themselves,” said Estee. “In other states, you walk into one office, and you walk out with your permit, a business loan and three options for office space. Here, it’s not so easy. Entrepreneurs are very efficient people. They don’t want to be told to walk three blocks and wait in line.”

"The city has not formalized a lot of their processes," said Julie Johnson, vice president of the university. "It’s the planning and organizing part before you can begin to attract and retain businesses."

a comprehensive guide designed to assist community and economic development stakeholders in developing market based solutions for workforce training and education.

GEM researchers argue that all levels of government need to do a better job of creating a regulatory and policy framework that supports entrepreneurship.

Touted as the "Mon-Dak Agricultural Frontier," promoters see northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota as a common agricultural region that is blessed with good soils, long sunny days and plenty of water for irrigation through the waters of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers, as well as from aquifers.

Washington state ranked fourth in terms of dollars invested and fifth in terms of number of deals — a solid showing for the 15th most populous state.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Nor will a technology economy for the Inland Northwest come to pass quickly.

They’re already tough tasks: Applying for a start-up loan, navigating the maze of small-business regulation, catering to broad markets. Add a language barrier or cultural differences, and the difficulties of entrepreneurship multiply. By Megan Hinds…