Research Papers

One of the original 13 colonies and home to the location where the Declaration of Independence was written, Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant states in the Union. Split roughly down the middle by the Appalachian Mountains, Pennsylvania shares a border with Canada and several highly populated US states, making it an important economic region of the U.S. east coast. Pennsylvania's gross state product is one of the largest in the US, and several major financial and insurance companies keep their headquarters in the State. In this research brief, we will review some of the resources available to small businesses in Pennsylvania, including grants and financing programs, training support, and tax incentives.

In 2014, New Jersey was the second wealthiest state in the United States as measured by individual income. The state is also home to many important businesses in the pharmaceutical, publishing, financial, telecommunications and food processing industries, and boasts major scientific research centers that employ thousands of people in the research and development sector. In this research brief, we will review some of the state-level grant financing and support programs available to entrepreneurs and small business owners in New Jersey.

Indiana is one of the most populated states in the midwest area of the Great Lakes region of the United States, and is home to many major companies in the financial, pharmaceutical, real estate, health care and manufacturing industries. Indiana is also renowned for its sporting events and teams, which include the Indiana Pacers (NBA), Colts (NFL) and the Indianapolis 500 race. In this research brief we will review some of the resources available for businesses based in Indiana, including grants, funding sources and other support programs.

Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes and sharing a northern border with Canada, Minnesota is one of the most populated states of the northern US midwest. Nearly two-thirds of Minnesotans live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Twin Cities area. The state economy is driven by robust agricultural production, late-stage manufacturing and service. Companies including Target, 3M and General Mills are headquartered in Minnesota, and the median household income in the state is one of the highest on the US East Coast. In this research brief we will review some of the grant, financing and support programs available for businesses in the state, and provide access to detailed information about how to start and operate a business in Minnesota.

Sharing a border with Canada to the north, North Dakota is ideally situated to facilitate international trade between the Midwestern United States and Canada. Today the state’s economy is driven by agriculture, technology, food processing and resource extraction, particularly oil from the Bakken fields in the northwestern region of the state. North Dakota boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States, and has enjoyed a budget surplus every year since 2008. In this research brief we will review some of the state grants and resources available to small businesses in North Dakota.

Located deep in the south of the United States, Alabama boasts a strong and diversified economy that includes agricultural production, iron and steel products, auto manufacturing, technology and health services. The University of Alabama at Birmingham employs more than 18,000 people and operates a major health center, and the state is home to several major military bases, banks, finance companies and electronics manufacturing firms. In this research brief we will review some of the state grant, support and financing programs available for businesses based in Alabama.

Home to the storied Mississippi River and the Ozark Mountains, Missouri has a special place in America’s history. The state acted as a conduit for settlers expanding the United States westward, who founded the Pony Express, the Santa Fe Trail and other migratory routes in Missouri. Economically Missouri is a diverse region; major industries in the state include beer and wine brewing, aerospace, food processing, transportation and electrical equipment manufacturing. In this research brief we will review some of the state-level grant and support programs available for small businesses based in the state.

Nestled in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, South Dakota is home to a thriving agricultural sector and stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Black Hills. While ranching and farming of corn, soybeans and other products are the primary drivers of the state economy, defense spending, finance, healthcare and tourism – driven mainly by visitors to Mount Rushmore – also play important roles in supporting the economic well-being of South Dakota.

Oklahoma has enjoyed a unique kind of economic success over the past decade. In 2007, the state boasted one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S., pushing Oklahoma to the forefront of national GSP growth. The state is home to strong natural gas and oil industries, as well as a robust agricultural sector, and also counts telecommunications, aviation and energy industries among primary drivers of the state economy. In this research brief we will review some of the state grant, financing and tax incentive programs available for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Oklahoma.

Located in the center of the continental US, the state of Nebraska links the Great Plains with the Midwest and is home to the only nonpartisan legislature in the country. Industries including insurance, manufacturing and telecommunications are important to the Gross State Product, but Nebraska’s economy is primarily driven by agricultural production: the state is a leading producer of beef, pork, corn and soybeans. In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the state’s unemployment rate was 2.5 percent, the lowest in the US. In this research brief we will review some of the state-level financing, grant and support programs available to entrepreneurs and business owners in Nebraska.