Research Papers

Rhode Island was the first of the thirteen original colonies to declare independence from Britain, and is nicknamed the Ocean State to reflect the abundance of coastline that Rhode Island enjoys. Despite the state's small size, it was a leading producer of textile goods before the onset of the Great Depression; today, the state’s economy is driven primarily by services in the healthcare and education sectors, and some specialized manufacturing including construction of nuclear submarines. In this research brief we will review some of the state-level grant, financing and support programs and services available to small business owners in Rhode Island.

Founded as a part of French Louisiana and brought into the United States with the Louisiana Purchase, Iowa’s economy has progressed from being primarily based on agriculture to encompass manufacturing, financial services, IT, biotech and sustainable energy development. Described by Insurance Journal as one of the safest states to live, and sharing a border with several Midwestern states, Iowa is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who would like to start or relocate a business to a welcoming state. In this research brief we will review some of the state financing and support programs that are available to small businesses in Iowa.

Delaware, sometimes called “the First State” because it was the first to ratify the United States Constitution, is the second-smallest state by area but also a hub for many corporations’ headquarters thanks to a corporation law that is attractive to business. More than half of all publicly traded companies based in the U.S. – and more than 60 percent of the Fortune 500 - are incorporated in Delaware. Education, banking, chemical and pharmaceutical development, healthcare and farming are all important drivers of the state economy. In this research brief, we will review some of the state-level funding and support initiatives that are available to serve new and established businesses in Delaware.

Since the early 20^th century, South Carolina has been home to a robust textiles industry, large-scale agricultural production and a strong tourism sector. The state is particularly favorable to corporate investment, thanks to a 5 percent corporate tax rate and no state taxes on property, income, or inventory, and no sales tax on industrial equipment and materials purchases. South Carolina enjoys a long coastal plain on the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge mountains, making the state geographically diverse and attractive to those who love the outdoors. In this research brief we will review some of the financing and business support programs available to enterprises based in the state, and provide links to find out more about these programs.

Counting Rocky Mountain peaks and fertile agricultural lands among its many charms, the state of Idaho is the easternmost part of the biologically diverse Pacific Northwest region. Nearly forty percent of the state’s land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, making Idaho a popular destination for outdoor sports and wilderness enthusiasts of all kinds. Geologic science and associated industries, including mining and forestry, drive the Idaho economy in tandem with productive agricultural, technology and tourism sectors. In this research brief we will look at some of the state grant, funding and business resources available to small business owners in the state, as well as training and education programs that entrepreneurs can benefit from.

Utah is home to some of the most visually stunning landscapes and natural geological formations in the United States. Economically the state is diverse, with education, information technology, transportation and tourism all being major contributors to the GSP. Approximately 60 percent of all Utah residents are members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, giving the state a distinct culture. In this research brief we will review some of the local, state and federal programs and resources that are available to help businesses based in Utah succeed.

Located in the heart of Appalachia, Tennessee is home to the storied cities of Memphis and Nashville and bridges the cultures of the American North and South. The state’s modern economy is focused on the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, with major exports in equipment and chemical products contributing to Tennessee’s GSP. There are many opportunities for third-party vendors to sell products and services to government agencies in Tennessee at the local, state and federal level. In this research brief we will take a look at some of the state-level grant and resource programs available for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Located on the East coast of the U.S. and nestled between Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, Virginia was the first colony established by the British in America and plays an important role in the national economy today. The state has been the birthplace of more U.S. Presidents than any other; it is also home to some of the country’s most important national security institutions, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense. Accordingly, vendors in the area can find many contract opportunities with the government:  around 12% of all federal procurement dollars are spent in Virginia. In this research brief, we will look at some of the grant, funding and resource programs available to businesses based in Virginia.

The state of Wisconsin has long been recognized for the production of dairy products and for occupying a unique location of the Great Lakes region, just south of the Canadian border. The state’s economy has been continually evolving for three centuries, from fur trading to lead mining, agriculture, lumber and finally dairy farming, which remained the most important industry until the 21^st century. Since its founding, Wisconsin’s advancement of relatively progressive social policies has informed the state’s cultural climate and continues to do so today. In this research brief, we will look at some of the state grant, financing and support programs that are available to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Vermont shares a border with Canada and is home to iconic American businesses including Ben and Jerry's Ice cream, as well as prominent people including presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. With a deep culture of environmental appreciation and entrepreneurship, Vermont is an ideal location for startups operating in agriculture, manufacturing, imports/exports, tourism and technology. In this research brief we will review some of the state-provided financing, grant and business support programs that exist for new businesses and small business owners in the state.