The traditional approach to state-level economic development has often included a reliance on tax incentives. Yet, research examining these state-level practices has documented their relative ineffectiveness, and increasingly, states are shifting their economic development strategies. Read More

Small businesses are the engine of America’s prosperity and when they succeed, good jobs are created, economic opportunity is abundant and healthier communities are created. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with the nation’s largest, nonprofit, integrated health care delivery system, Kaiser Permanente, to support urban businesses in Los Angeles and Oakland so our inner cities can thrive. Read More

A common misperception about the Maker Movement is that it is limited to crafters and hobbyists with only a narrow impact on local and regional economies. While some makers are indeed hobbyists, the movement also includes many active and nascent entrepreneurs who are interested in commercializing their products. These products can range widely, from jewelry and leather goods, to craft beer and artisanal bread, to drones and mini robots. Read More

In 2016, civil unrest in Milwaukee left a stretch of the Sherman Park neighborhood extensively damaged and economically harmed. Businesses in the area, including BMO Harris Bank, were set on fire, causing over $5.8 million in property damage. Now, the city is making an investment in the same neighborhood to turn it into a place of burgeoning economic opportunity. Read More

This article originally appeared on SSTI.org From Main Street businesses to technology startups, research has shown the rate of new business formation in the United States has plummeted since the 1970s. In the past year, the Digest has frequently cited research from the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), the Kauffman Foundation, and the Federal Reserve on the impacts of declining ... Read More