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Promoting Entrepreneurship in Montana |
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Montana was named as one of the top five state for entrepreneurial activity by the Kauffman Foundation. Data from the Census Bureau shows growth in the number of proprietor jobs (vs salary and wage jobs) in our region. The employment statistics known as NAICS breaks people into two catagories: Wage & Salary and Proprietors. Our region has shown that proprietor increasing their share of jobs. In 1970 Proprietor jobs were 17.5% of the total jobs in the three county region. In 2004, they were 25%.of the total jobs.
The more rural counties Ravalli and Mineral show a greater amount of proprietors both close to 40% of their workforce in 2004. This can be interpreted many ways, but I think it shows several things:: 1) Entrepreneurial Spirit (whether it be out of innovation or need or both) 2) The need to assess our regions ability to capitalize on this trend with the goal of providing long term economic growth and stability in the region. I think we could start with a regional business services and workforce training accessment and needs analysis. Recent new articles on entreprunuears in the area: Wood Chips for Animals Composite Decking Truffles Made in Montana To read more about small business sucess stories visit the Montana Community Development Corporation website |
