/ WELCOME TO THE STARTUP CAPITAL OF THE WORLD /

Start something here

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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Newsletter

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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
    Looking to get support for your business? GOEO has many tools and resources that can directly benefit Utah's business community.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    GOEO's Center for Rural Development outreach managers recently attended the Uintah Basin Energy Summit. The summit brings industry, government, and the community together to share ideas, learn from experts, and explore new opportunities for the Uintah Basin. GOEO is proud to sponsor this annual event driving education, collaboration, and the region’s energy future.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Congratulations to SoFi on being awarded a post-performance tax reduction for its expansion in Salt Lake County as part of the GOEO's EDTIF program. The company provides digital financial services and is on a mission to help people achieve financial independence and realize their ambitions. https://lnkd.in/g8Rep2ZY
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Last week, GOEO leaders Jefferson Moss and Natalie Randall spoke at the TourismTALKS conference and discussed how tourism is essential for prosperity and innovation statewide. The duo talked about successes, challenges, and the next steps for tourism in Utah.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Yesterday, GOEO team members attended NAIOPOLY 2025. The event brought together developers, brokers, site selectors, and community leaders in a life-sized game for commercial real estate. GOEO connected with partners and shared why Utah is a great state in which to grow and thrive.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Listen to our "Business Elevated" podcast with Jason Christensen, co-founder of the Utah-based protein bar company Blue Unicorn. He and his partner, Dr. Luke Tolley, formed the company after creating a unique, plant-based protein bar that is nut-free, gluten-free, and tastes like a treat. https://lnkd.in/g9avggNa
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    At the Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference, GOEO’s Executive Director Jefferson Moss shared how Utah is preparing for the future — by advancing AI innovation, strengthening local economies, and supporting Gov. Cox’s Operation Gigawatt initiative. These efforts will help cities build infrastructure, create jobs, expand energy production, and improve quality of life for Utahns statewide.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Only two weeks left to register for the APEX Symposium on Oct. 16. Hear from keynote speakers, attend informative breakout sessions, visit exhibitor booths, and participate in matchmaking and networking. Get your tickets now. https://lnkd.in/gYuFp4KG
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Congratulations to Campbell Scientific on its new facility expansion in Logan. The company received a post-performance tax reduction as part of the state's REDTIF program. We look forward to its continued success.
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
    Listen to the latest "Business Elevated" podcast episode with Scott Cuthbertson, founder and CEO of Alpen Associates. His company assists with site selection, navigating incentives, and evaluating public financing tools. Cuthbertson emphasizes that while technology is useful, human judgment, relationships, and personal integrity are even more valuable. https://lnkd.in/gRE\_GCiP

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    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.