Economic Development

14 articles

The new SEED Center business incubator in North Lake Charles, a modern facility fostering innovation and startup growth with entrepreneurs actively working inside.
Entrepreneurship

New Business Incubator Fuels Startup Growth in North Lake Charles

Greater Lake Charles is projected to grow its economy by 3.

Jenna Wallace·September 12, 2026
A lone entrepreneur at a city crossroads, contemplating the path to startup success amidst urban development and policy changes.
Entrepreneurship

Local entrepreneurship initiatives aren't enough for startup growth in 2026.

Mayor Mamdani announced over 50 reforms under the 'OPEN for Small Business' initiative, yet many aspiring entrepreneurs remain ineligible for the most impactful support programs.

Jenna Wallace·September 11, 2026
Diverse group of new entrepreneurs celebrating success with funding documents, symbolizing growth and opportunity.
Entrepreneurship

Public Grants Boost Growth for New Entrepreneurs

The state of Illinois alone is making $16.9 million available to local businesses through federal grant support, offering a significant opportunity for small businesses to secure non-dilutive capital and accelerate their growth.

Jenna Wallace·September 2, 2026
A diverse group of entrepreneurs collaborating in a vibrant, interconnected cityscape, symbolizing the growth and innovation of strong startup communities.
Entrepreneurship

What are foundational principles of strong startup communities?

A major pharmaceutical company once set a goal to increase its annual new idea exploration from 15-20 to an ambitious 150-200, according to Strategyzer .

Jenna Wallace·August 22, 2026
Workers in a modern Iowa advanced manufacturing facility receiving training on state-of-the-art equipment, symbolizing workforce development and job growth.
Services

Iowa Launches New Workforce Programs for Advanced Manufacturing Jobs

In Iowa, employers can receive up to $4,000 per employee, covering 80 percent of training costs, through a new state grant for advanced manufacturing skills.

Victor Huang·June 30, 2026
Massachusetts skyline at dusk with wilting biotech lab coats symbolizing job losses in the life sciences sector.
Insights

Mass. Life Sciences Job Losses Mount Despite Big Incentive Promises

Seventeen life sciences companies awarded Massachusetts tax incentives to create 426 jobs between 2021 and 2025 collectively added only 41 net new jobs by December 31, 2025, according to Biospace .

Marcus Ellery·June 6, 2026
Diverse small business owners collaborating around a futuristic AI display showing growth trends and insights during Small Business Week.
Entrepreneurship

Small Business Week Highlights Growth Trends

In 2025, Louisiana's Growth Network programs empowered over 26,000 small businesses to secure a staggering $1.

Jenna Wallace·May 11, 2026
Students and instructors collaborating in a bright classroom at Joliet Junior College, focusing on small business development and clean energy innovation.
Entrepreneurship

Joliet Junior College Secures $800K Grant for Future Small Business Training

Joliet Junior College's Entrepreneur & Business Center just secured an $800,000 federal allocation, thanks to U.

Jenna Wallace·May 10, 2026
Diverse small business storefronts on a sunny street in Vancouver, Washington, symbolizing economic growth and opportunity for entrepreneurs in 2026.
Entrepreneurship

Local Small Business Resources Aid Growth in 2026

The city of Vancouver, Washington, is injecting $2.65 million into its small business ecosystem through new loan and grant programs, even as national policies tighten access for some entrepreneurs.

Jenna Wallace·May 7, 2026
A lively small business marketplace at dusk, showcasing diverse storefronts and a bountiful farmer's market stall, representing community growth and economic prosperity.
Entrepreneurship

Top 4 Small Business Support Programs for Local Thriving in 2026

The Good Earth Farm in Sioux Falls, after winning a $25,000 prize, projects a 50% revenue increase by building a commercial kitchen, according to SiouxFalls Business .

Jenna Wallace·May 3, 2026
A picturesque rural landscape showcasing sustainable agriculture and a thriving local market, symbolizing the unique advantages of rural entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship

Rural Entrepreneurship's Unique Edge Over Urban Hubs

While often seen as lagging, rural areas hold a distinct, powerful advantage for new businesses: their unique environmental resources, which can unlock unparalleled local economic potential.

Jenna Wallace·April 26, 2026
Futuristic South Korean cityscape with holographic startup logos and data streams, symbolizing innovation and global ambition.
Entrepreneurship

South Korea Unveils Blueprint for Global Startup Ecosystem Dominance

South Korea is engineering startup dominance. The government plans to designate 10 cities as major startup hubs by next year.

Jenna Wallace·April 24, 2026
Entrepreneurs and local officials at a Georgiana community meeting, discussing small business resources, funding, and growth strategies, symbolizing local economic development and support.
Entrepreneurship

Georgiana Local Initiatives Highlight Small Business Resources for Growth

Local governments are actively supporting small businesses with resources like funding, expert consultations, and strategic guidance. These initiatives, exemplified by Georgiana, Alabama, are crucial for transforming business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Jenna Wallace·April 4, 2026
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating in a modern co-working space, symbolizing new initiatives strengthening startup ecosystems and fostering small business growth.
Entrepreneurship

New Initiatives Strengthen Startup Ecosystems for Small Business Growth

A wave of new programs and partnerships is strengthening startup ecosystems, offering specialized resources tailored to specific needs of entrepreneurs. These initiatives provide not just funding, but strategic, legal, and marketing support crucial for small business growth.

Jenna Wallace·April 2, 2026