/ 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

Explore Resources
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Get Funding

Funding Opportunities
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Build Connections

Find Events
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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
    Celebrate National Small Business Week with the SBA Utah District Office on May 1! Join us as we recognize the impact of Utah’s small businesses and honor this year’s standout award winners. Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/g6PV8cxR Sir Walter Candy Co. Brian Brooker Alfonso Porras Amir Porras Brandon Porras
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (edited)
    Another exciting round of the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge! Congratulations to the entrepreneurs who earned funding to take their businesses to the next level. 👏 Dylan Smith \| Documental Arman Bagdasarov \| Elevated Iron Guide Johanna Lucero \| Johanna’s Tamales Zack and Beverly Petersen \| Pariah Apparel and Custom Embroidery \| https://lnkd.in/dUmVn-GE Benjamin Miller \| RACKD Systems \| https://lnkd.in/dfjjvzjV Scott Griffin \| Recap Innovations \| recap-innovations.com Jonathan Raskauskas \| Utah Woodworking Souvenirs 🌟Learn more about their stories: https://lnkd.in/dNs3Xzcq Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute Tim Cooley
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Listen to the "Business Elevated" podcast with Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village. He discusses his journey into social impact work, driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than himself. Cochrane highlights the Village's mission to provide a permanent, supportive housing community for chronically homeless individuals. https://lnkd.in/d7yCc4qT
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Saras AI Institute, an all-online AI-focused higher education institute in Salt Lake City, will launch an eight-week “Powers of AI” course starting May 26, 2025. The course is aimed at beginners and professionals with no technical background. Learn more and enroll now. https://lnkd.in/deujRRWA
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    🚨Calling all golfers, founders, and fans of Utah’s startup scene! Join Central Bank of Utah for their annual Startup Pitch Contest & Golf Tournament on June 5, where your game can help fund some local entrepreneurs. 🤝 Meet 15 incredible startups 💸 Help decide how to award $25,000+ in cash and prizes ⛳️ Enjoy great golfing, food, swag, and networking Oh, and did we mention our Startup State team will be there? 🔗 Apply to pitch your business by TODAY, or register your team by May 3, 2025: https://lnkd.in/dBvTmKQE Tim Cooley
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Are you a business owner in rural Utah? The Utah Center for Rural Development serves as a critical resource for programs that support job creation, infrastructure expansion, and business recruitment. Read the article for more rural Utah business resources! 👇 Colette Cox, MBA, CEcD
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Discover your next connection at the "Find Your Missing Piece Pitch" event in Ogden on May 14. This event is designed for Utah innovators seeking critical resources — beyond funding — to grow their businesses. Pitch your business needs for a chance at $1,000 and network with critical resources and industry experts to fuel your growth. Apply by April 28. https://lnkd.in/g-jFKvh2
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Pitch competitions can be game changers for startups, and two Utah companies just proved it. Social Good Software \(Rick Hernandez\) and Vamo \(Claire Pettit Larsen\) were selected from over 130 local applicants to pitch at the Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures Lab \(MSISVL\). Both emerged as winners and are now fast-tracked for a chance at $250K in funding and a spot in a five-month accelerator in NYC. Read the full story below 👇
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Join GOEO staff members on April 30 for an overview of programs and initiatives that support Utah entrepreneurs and businesses. Learn how to start, grow, or buy/sell a business, explore funding and incentive opportunities, and discover how to access government contracts. Additionally, attendees will learn about innovation research programs and rural development support services available to help new Americans thrive in Utah’s diverse, prosperous economy. https://lnkd.in/gqRCPZ8h
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    The Utah Innovation Center's recent workshop covered essential strategies for new and experienced applicants in the DOD SBIR/STTR programs, including how to identify opportunities and align technology development with DOD priorities. Thank you to our speakers from Innosys and Colleen Gibney with the Defense Health Agency. Learn more about the Innovation Center's SBIR/STTR program. https://lnkd.in/g9vj7YYy

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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.