September 12, 2025
In Utah, entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses — they’re building a community.
Utah consistently earns national recognition for its resilient economy and vibrant startup culture, but the state’s dedication to supporting small businesses is what sets it apart. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity offers programs and resources that empower entrepreneurs, from easing regulatory barriers to expanding into rural markets, and securing funding. Together, these endeavors show why Utah isn’t just a place to do business — it’s a place to live, work, and thrive.
APEX Accelerator
Utah’s APEX Accelerator empowers new and established businesses to enter the complex world of government contracting. The program provides comprehensive support with one-on-one counseling and consulting, bid preparation assistance, a bid match program, networking, and access to symposiums.
Formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, APEX has shifted its focus to finding new cutting-edge technologies to bring into the federal procurement space. To further support this mission and Utah’s startups, the accelerator works closely to match large defense contractors with small, minority-owned, and 8(a)-certified businesses. This collaboration helps federal agencies meet their small business goals while opening new doors for Utah entrepreneurs.
Center for Rural Development
The Utah Center for Rural Development is a vital resource for a state in which 24 of the 29 counties are considered rural — helping to drive economic growth through tailored programs that support job creation, infrastructure expansion, and business recruitment. Its grant offerings not only aid businesses but also increase the overall economic power of rural communities.
One of the center’s most impactful programs is the Rural County Grant, which provides $200,000 annually to each rural county for applicable projects. The CRD’s Rural Communities Opportunity Grant is more competitive, offering up to $600,000 for projects such as Southern Utah University’s aviation program, which used the funds to buy specialized training engines.
Regulatory Relief
The Office of Regulatory Relief helps residents, entrepreneurs, established businesses, and nonprofits navigate and improve the state’s regulatory landscape. By offering tools like the country’s first, industry-agnostic regulatory sandbox, it lowers barriers to innovation while safeguarding public interests.
Through the sandbox, businesses can test new products or services in a controlled environment, benefiting from temporary waivers of specific state regulations that might otherwise hinder development. The program further helps to break down barriers by offering an online suggestion box, which invites anyone in the state to identify outdated, confusing, or overly restrictive regulations.
Small Business Credit Initiative
The Utah Small Business Credit Initiative partners with banks and other lenders to help small businesses across Utah mitigate the risk associated with traditional lending. With its focus on rural, underserved, and disadvantaged borrowers, the program acts as a vital lifeline for many young ventures.
To fulfil its mission, USBCI covers up to 50% of a loan and blends its low-interest capital with standard rates, making financing more accessible. The impact is clear: from September to December 2024, USBCI assisted in funding approximately 24 loans to small businesses, equating to $9.6 million of the $69 million allocation from the U.S. Treasury to be dispersed through 2030.
Startup State Initiative
The Startup State Initiative celebrates, inspires, and empowers Utah entrepreneurs by highlighting the state’s robust and innovative startup ecosystem. This collaborative initiative connects entrepreneurs with resources to start or grow their businesses. Its aggregated resource list showcases the support across Utah, and the Entrepreneur Journey outlines the 19 steps of a startup’s lifecycle.
In partnership with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, the Get Started: Business Idea Challenge offers a competitive microgrant to help Utahns fund new business ideas. The Startup State’s newsroom spotlights local businesses through founder stories, highlights local partners, and shares resources on funding, networking, and tools for business growth, like SBA certifications and educational programs.
Combined Efforts
Together, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity demonstrates Utah’s strategic approach to economic growth — one that balances innovation with accountability, supports both urban and rural communities, and ensures businesses have the tools they need to succeed.
For more information, visit the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity to explore other programs and resources available to Utah businesses, or learn how to start your business in Utah.
The information in this article is current as of the publishing date and is intended for informational purposes only. This article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal, tax, or business advice. Any resources and organizations mentioned, unless an entity of or a partner of the state of Utah, are not formally endorsed by the Startup State Initiative or state of Utah.