Gov. Cox launches Startup State Initiative to encourage entrepreneurship in Utah

Kaitlyn ClarkeStartup Initiative

Last week, Gov. Spencer J. Cox and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) announced the launch of the Startup State Initiative and its statewide entrepreneurship brand and business resource portal at startup.utah.gov. The first-of-its-kind state website aims to support startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through every step of the business journey by unifying the state’s entrepreneurial resources.

“Utah has created the perfect ecosystem for startups to thrive,” said Gov. Cox. “The Startup State Initiative highlights what already exists in Utah and elevates it to new heights. It isn’t just about Utah, it’s about setting a new global standard for innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Featuring resources like a step-by-step business journey guide, a resource filter, and a business plan generator, startup.utah.gov connects entrepreneurs to the information and opportunities they need to start and grow a business. Brad Bonham, Utah’s first entrepreneur-in-residence, revealed the new website at the One Utah Summit on April 12, highlighting its features and emphasizing it as a new community resource.

“Startup.utah.gov and the Startup State Initiative celebrate, inspire, and empower Utah entrepreneurs and those who support them,” said Bonham. “We want to continue encouraging innovators to start their businesses in Utah and let them know that this resource can assist them while navigating entrepreneurial challenges.”

Utah is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, fast growth, well-educated workforce, and thriving economy, attracting doers and innovative thinkers to the state. Its low corporate tax rate and high government support for small businesses make it a prime startup environment. These characteristics have garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as the No. 1 best state to start a business, the nation’s best economy, and the No. 1 best economic outlook for the 17th consecutive year.

“We are proud to support Governor Cox in this initiative and are excited to continue championing Utah’s small business community,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “An entrepreneur’s journey can often be daunting. Whether someone is at the early stages of an idea, needs help creating a business plan, or is considering how to grow or sell a business, startup.utah.gov is a one-stop-shop that truly highlights Utah as the Startup Capital of the World.”

To learn more, visit startup.utah.gov.

Access media toolkit here.