Research Papers

For many, Hawaii is the closest thing to paradise that the U.S. has to offer. The state’s hundreds of islands are located in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean and are renowned for their lush natural landscapes, vegetation and volcanoes. The indigenous people of the Hawaiian Islands carry on cultural traditions that have endured for millennia, giving Hawaii a unique and enduring mythology as part of the greater American culture. Tourism is the strongest economic driver for the state, but agricultural exports also are a major contributor to the Hawaiian GSP. In this research brief we will explore the many resources available for small businesses in Hawaii, including grant and financing programs, support for worker training initiatives and much more.

Occupying the uppermost tip of the Northeast United States, Maine exemplifies the Atlantic coastal culture of the Eastern seaboard. The state’s history stretches back to the days of the very first European settlers; today, Maine has an active economy focused on agricultural production, commercial fishing, industrial products and naval shipbuilding. Thanks to its proximity to Canada, Maine is also a hub for cross-border trade and is an excellent home base for businesses that regularly engage in international commerce. In this research brief we’ll find out about some of the state grant, financing and business support programs that are available to entrepreneurs in Maine.

Arkansas has a diverse state economy, with aircraft manufacturing, poultry and cotton farming, steel production, rice growing, tourism and the service industry all active drivers of commerce in the state. As the former stomping ground of a diverse group of iconic American figures, from Johnny Cash to Sam Walton to Bill Clinton, Arkansas conjures a unique image among Southern states and also provides a wide array of opportunities for small businesses in any sector to thrive. In this research brief, we’ll take a look at some of the state grant and financing options available to entrepreneurs, as well as other programs that provide support for business owners in Arkansas.

Always a focus of national attention in election years, Ohio is one of the original seats of industry in the United States, straddling Lake Erie and neighbor to Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. The Buckeye State is home to a number of major cities, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo and Akron, and strong economic drivers include manufacturing and financial services. In recent years, Ohio has been identified as one of the most business-friendly areas in the U.S., prompting renewed interest in the state as a destination for new and established businesses. In this research brief we will review some of the state grant, financing and business support programs available to entrepreneurs and business owners based in Ohio.

Montana is one of the least-populated states in America but boasts a robust economy that leverages the strengths of the region: agriculture, mining and tourism are all strong economic drivers for the state. Montana is also home to many of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Benefitting from an incredible natural landscape and a border shared with three Canadian provinces, Montana provides many potential business opportunities for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. In this research brief we will review some of the state grant, financing and resource programs available for small businesses based in Montana. 

Louisiana has a unique and storied history among U.S. states. Before becoming a part of America in the early 19^th century, the state was, at different times, a French colony and a Spanish colony. This colorful history has informed the culture of Louisiana, which isn’t duplicated anywhere else in the country. Despite facing serious challenges including the devastating legacy of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Louisiana remains a resilient, innovative state for entrepreneurs of all stripes, particularly those in the tourism and entertainment industries.  In this research brief we will look at the state government grant and support programs that are available to businesses based in Louisiana.

Located on the Atlantic coast and bordered by the states of New York and New Jersey, Connecticut is both a vibrant area for business and an important part of United States history. The economy of the state is driven by the finance and insurance industries, providing opportunities for service providers in these sectors to seek out customers in the region. Three of Connecticut’s counties are considered to be part of greater New York City, also known as the Tri-State area, and as a result are closely tied to commercial activity in NYC. The combination of historical American culture and proximity to a major financial center make Connecticut an attractive headquarters for businesses that want to be s step away from metropolitan bustle. In this Research Brief, we will review some of the grant, financing and support programs available for small businesses based in Connecticut. 

Home to the majestic Rocky Mountain ranges, Colorado is known as one of the most beautiful and geographically diverse states in the U.S., with desert, plateaus, deep canyons and vast forests in addition to mountainous areas. Colorado also offers a unique and supportive environment for new and innovative businesses. Marijuana and cannabis products were legalized for recreational use in Colorado in 2012, leading to an economic boom and the rapid expansion of an entirely new sector of industry. In this research brief we will detail several grant, loan and incentive programs that are available to businesses based in Colorado, as well as other resources designed to help entrepreneurs become successful in their chosen endeavor. 

Located in the geographic center of the United States, Kansas provides a unique and attractive environment for small businesses based in the state, particularly businesses in the agricultural sector. Kansas’ several major cities provide a modern contrast to the abundant and productive farmlands of the state and feature their own respective support programs for companies, corporations and non-profit organizations. In this research brief we will look at some of the grant, tax relief and operational support programs that Kansas offers for business owners at the state and municipal level, as well as federal grant programs that are available to businesses based in Kansas. 

With a warm climate, lush forests, vibrant cities and access to the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia has become one of the most attractive Southern states for businesses. Along with hosting the busiest airport in the world and the headquarters of several dozen Fortune 1000 companies, Georgia also counts thousands of farms within its boundaries that produce a variety of agricultural and animal products. This cultural and economic diversity continues to attract new investment from outside the state while also strengthening the loyalty of local residents. Below, we’ll review some of the incentives available for businesses based in Georgia, including grants, financing options, tax relief and more.