Four state initiatives spurring entrepreneurship and economic growth, and demonstrating market-based results, have won national "Best Practices" awards from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
"Encouraging entrepreneurship is a key component of local, regional, and state economic development," said Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "The Best Practice winners show a clear dedication to innovations in public policy that encourage entrepreneurs and provide an environment where they can flourish. These programs demonstrate market-based results and ought to be replicated across the country."
The winners were:
- Idaho's "TechConnect" program for Best Practice in educational efforts to promote entrepreneurship.
- The Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute at the University of Maryland's "Maryland Industrial Partnership Program" for Best Practice in technology transfer programs.
- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation's "SmartZone" initiative for Best Practice in regional economic incentives.
- The Wisconsin Department of Commerce's efforts to reduce state small business regulatory burden for Best Practice in regulatory flexibility.
