Director’s Message

Business Development

www.dced.state.ut.us/arts

Although there are many aspects to expanding Utah’s economy, most of it is home grown. Eighty percent of the jobs that are created every year in the state come through the growth and expansion of existing businesses. These companies are the life-blood of Utah’s strong economy.

Highlights

Olympic Initiatives: Leading up to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the

Business Development program plans to partner with Utah businesses to assist them in marketing the state to their customers and suppliers. The aim is to promote Utah as a “great place to do business.” The Business Development program is also hosting tours of Olympic venues and participating in pre-Olympic events to showcase Utah’s positive business climate.

BEAR Program: The Business Expansion and Retention Program works to maintain Utah’s existing business base and to assist those companies with expansion plans. The Business Development staff coordinated with local economic development officials to visit an average of seventy businesses per month during fiscal year 2000. The team focuses on the needs of those firms to assure they are satisfied with the business environment in Utah. The Business Development staff has also stood ready with assistance and resources for those companies desiring to expand.

Utah Small Business Development Centers: This partnership among the Business Development program, the Small Business Administration, and local colleges and universities resulted in: 2,279 Utah business owners counseled in 1999 323 business training seminars held statewide NX Level training for existing and start-up businesses 12 centers serving businesses throughout the state

Utah Heritage Highway: The Business Development Office dedicated one staff member full-time to serve as the Executive Director of the Utah Heritage Products Alliance. This nonprofit group was formed to promote the southern section of U.S. 89 as the West’s premier destination for buying heritage products, with the ultimate goal of building the area’s business base. A kick-off celebration was held in May, and numerous local, regional, and national media outlets published and aired features on the concept of fostering economic development through the creation of “heritage corridors.” The Alliance has now hired its own executive director, after receiving legislative funding.