/ WELCOME TO THE STARTUP CAPITAL OF THE WORLD /

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The Startup State Initiative highlights what already exists in Utah and elevates it to new heights. It isn’t just about Utah; it’s about setting a new global standard for innovation and entrepreneurship.

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About the Initiative
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UTAH's thriving ecosystem

Be a part of Utah’s thriving startup scene. Start, grow, and build your business in the Startup Capital of the World.

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Starting a Business

New Business Steps
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Grow Your Business

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Get Funding

Funding Opportunities
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Get Funding

Kickstart your business idea with the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge! Created by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) in partnership with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah, this challenge empowers Utahns to validate their early-stage ideas in a supportive, collaborative environment. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your concept, this milestone grant program offers the perfect platform to share your vision with peers, entrepreneurs, and community members—without the stress of a traditional pitch competition.

Kickstart your business idea with the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge!

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Events

Stay connected with Utah's vibrant entrepreneurial community. Explore and attend upcoming Startup State events near you.
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Journey

Start your business journey here! Learn about tools, resources, and guides that help you succeed at every stage of your business.

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Resources

Utah supports entrepreneurs! Access a wide range of resources to build, grow, and scale your business.

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    Startup State logo white

    UTAH: THE STARTUP STATE

    The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Startup State Initiative celebrates, inspires, and empowers Utah entrepreneurs and those who support them. It consists of a statewide entrepreneurship brand and business resource portal being developed on this site. This collaborative initiative supports entrepreneurs throughout the lifecycle of their business and encourages them to start in Utah.
    Salt Lake City at night

    Utah’s Startup Community

    Utah provides fertile soil for modern innovators and entrepreneurs. As the country’s fastest-growing state, with a well-educated workforce and thriving economy, Utah’s mountains, valleys, deserts, and plateaus provide the perfect environment to nourish and champion the startup and entrepreneurial spirit.

    The state’s growth, unparalleled quality of life, government support for small businesses, and access to startup networks and capital attract doers and innovative thinkers to Utah’s communities.

    In January 2023, WalletHub named Utah the No. 1 best state to start a business. Utah is the startup state.

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    Utah’s Startup State Initiative Team

    In 2023, under the leadership of Gov. Spencer Cox, Utah was designated as the Startup Capital of the World—a place filled with opportunities of advancement for Utah entrepreneurs. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) leads the Startup State Initiative, supporting policies and programs that strengthen Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    This website and its resources are part of GOEO’s ongoing efforts to promote and amplify Utah’s vibrant startup community and elevate statewide conversations, connections, and tools for success.

    Recent Podcast Episode

    Connect Us

    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Since launching the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge in January 2025, the Startup State Initiative has awarded over $11,000 in milestone funding to help entrepreneurs across Utah turn their ideas into reality. By supporting early-stage founders with the resources they need to take their first big steps, we’re building momentum for innovation and strengthening Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. ✍️ Visit https://lnkd.in/gg7ynBUG to apply for the challenge today! Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute Tim Cooley
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    USBCI recently published its Q2 2025 Progress Report, which shows continued dedication to strengthening Utah's economy. Key highlights include: 📈 Successfully completing $21M Tranche 1 funding 💼 Supporting 12 small businesses with $6.6M from Tranche 2, across diverse sectors 🤝 Partnering with 16 lenders/EDOs for broader outreach and impact 📊 Securing $1.2M for a new Technical Assistance Program to empower businesses https://lnkd.in/gRYx2Qwe
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    What’s next for Utah’s economy? In a conversation with Economic Development Corporation of Utah \(EDCUtah\), Jefferson Moss, GOEO’s new executive director, lays out his game plan: driving innovation, aligning efforts statewide, and shaping Utah’s future with purpose. Read the full Q&A at https://lnkd.in/gu3BKWgs.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Step 1️⃣: Submit an application Step 2️⃣: Pitch your business at the live pitch event Step 3️⃣: Win funding to achieve milestones It’s that easy! Applications are due the first Wednesday of every month ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gg7ynBUG Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute Tim Cooley
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah’s economic leadership isn’t just about today, it’s about what’s next. In a recent Deseret News feature, GOEO Executive Director Jefferson Moss discussed how the state prepares for the next 10 to 20 years by focusing on long-term strategy, workforce development, and innovation. Tech. Energy. Housing. Utah’s all in on the future — because success today means nothing without a plan for tomorrow. https://lnkd.in/guRjigDq
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    This week, leaders from our office attended the ribbon-cutting for Mars' Nature's Bakery in Salt Lake City. GOEO supported the project through Utah’s Economic Development Tax Increment Financing \(EDTIF\) program. With this new facility, the company plans to create hundreds of new jobs and boost Utah's economy. https://lnkd.in/eFYq83nP
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Listen to our conversation with Wayne Aston, CEO of Invictus Sovereign. He details his work in central Utah, where his company leads a multi-year project focused on next-generation energy production. Aston explains that this effort aligns with Gov. Cox’s Operation Gigawatt initiative to add a gigawatt of power to the state. https://lnkd.in/g3q9DPvp
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Applications for the Rural Employment Development Incentive are open from today until Aug. 15. The grant bolsters rural economies in the state by awarding funding to business entities creating new, high-paying jobs in Utah’s rural communities. Qualifying organizations can receive up to $250,000 under one application and in a single fiscal year. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/gfmdhZkt.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    No beach? No problem! Cory Merrell turned his love for social sports into the SandBar SLC, Utah’s first year-round indoor beach volleyball facility. Located in North Salt Lake \(and a second location opening soon in Bluffdale\), SandBar offers tournaments, leagues, training, and open play for all levels. Cory’s story is proof that with the right idea, community support, and a little hustle, you can build your dream anywhere. 👀 Got an idea of your own? Head to startup.utah.gov to get started. sandbarslc.com
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    St. George is named Utah’s top city for small businesses, according to a report from B2B Reviews. The city earned the No. 1 spot in a new analysis based on growth, affordability, and business density — ranking highest in the state. https://lnkd.in/gYiUtb9d

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    Need some money to get your idea off the ground? Looking for a collaborative community of like-minded entrepreneurs? Consider subscribing to the Startup State Initiative newsletter so you can receive monthly updates on resources, tips, events, and more.