Research Papers

Every year federal, state, and local governments across the U.S. have a budget that allows them to spend on a variety of different goods and services throughout the year. Over the past few years spending on government contracts has increased to keep up with the evolving needs of our cities, counties, municipalities, schools, special districts and more.

As the strain on the world economy continues to intensify, many businesses that rely on state and local government purchasing to stay afloat are wondering how the current COVID-19 crisis will affect their bottom line.

Across the United States, the number of children categorized with special educational needs is on the rise. As cities, counties, states, special districts and the federal government invest to provide appropriate education and services to the growing number of special needs children in America, many of whom are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, third-party vendors act as crucial providers of the goods and services that support these investments.

Home to the Delta Blues and benefiting from a coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi counts vast rural and agricultural areas as part of its land area. Mississippi offers many resources, programs and initiatives to support business development in the state. In this research brief we will review some of the state-level assistance that is available to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Magnolia State.

Exemplifying the lush and rugged Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., the state of Washington is distinguished by its temperate rainforests, mountains, fjords and islands. Washington is leading agricultural producer in the United States and is also a major producer of lumber and forestry products. The state is also home to thriving commercial fishing and livestock industries and a robust manufacturing sector. In this research brief we will review some of the state level support programs available for businesses based in Washington, and how business owners and entrepreneurs can access these resources.

Defined geographically by elevated prairielands and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Wyoming is the least-populated state in America. Wyoming is home to many national parks and monuments, including Yellowstone National Park and the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The state’s economy is driven primarily by resource extraction, including oil, natural gas and coal, but tourism and agriculture are also important sectors of employment and growth. In this research brief we will review some of the support programs that exist for businesses based in Wyoming, and how entrepreneurs and small business owners can benefit from these resources.

Founded in 1791 with land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia, Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia) is a special federal district that is not part of any state. The three separate branches of the U.S. federal government – Congress, the Supreme Court, and the office of the President – are headquartered in the District. The sectors of government, tourism, finance, non-profit and scientific research are some of the most prominent sources of employment in Washington, D.C. and in recent years the District has been expanding its economic base to include other sectors. In this research brief we will review some of the resources available for businesses in this federal district.

Nestled between several larger states on the U.S. east coast, Maryland is at once one of the smallest states in America and one of the most densely populated. Historically, Maryland is also especially significant because the state donated the land where Washington, D.C. would be founded. Maryland has a high median income and the state has a diverse economy, including manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and biotechnology. In this research paper we will review some of the state-level resources that are available for businesses based in Maryland.

Known for its abundant mountains, coal mines and availability of outdoor activities, West Virginia is considered by some to be part of the American South, despite being situated relatively close to the northern U.S. border. West Virginia is considered a friendly state for business, and has a low corporate income tax rate of 6.5 percent. Natural resource extraction is a major contributor to the state economy, while farming is relatively rare due to the rocky terrain. In this research brief we will review some of the state-level resources available for businesses based in West Virginia, and how entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners can access resources that they may be eligible for.

Alaska is America’s northernmost state and epitomizes frontier living. Separated from the rest of the continental states by the west coast of Canada, Alaska’s economy is driven primarily by oil and gas extraction, which typically account for more than 80 percent of revenues collected annually by the state. Employment is concentrated primarily in resource extraction, branches of the U.S. military or government, and tourism. In this research brief, we will explore the state-level resources available for businesses based in Alaska, including financing, specialized grant programs and other resources.