State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte, Capital One Recognize Bozeman as National Entrepreneurship Hub
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today joined Capital One to recognize Bozeman as a national entrepreneurship hub and recent business and job growth in Montana communities.
“The nation has recognized what we already know to be true – under our big skies, the opportunities to innovate are endless,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Since I’ve taken office, we’ve made it a priority to keep government out of the way to unleash the full potential of our innovators and job creators. The results of our efforts are exactly what we are celebrating here today, recognizing Bozeman as a national entrepreneurship hub.”
Gov. Gianforte (left) and Todd O’Hair (right), President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, speaking during a Capital One event in Bozeman
The Center on Rural Innovation’s (CORI) Rural Entrepreneurship Index, developed in partnership with the Capital One Insights Center, studied 11 measures of entrepreneurial activity, from business creation and self-employment to investment and job growth to measure entrepreneurial activity in rural counties across the nation.
In the index, Gallatin County is ranked in the 98th percentile on the National Entrepreneurship Index when measured by the business creation rate, the job creation rate, total private funding, total patents issued, and the share of self-employment. According to the data, all measures were at or above the national average with the job creation rate at 18 percent and the share of self-employment at 17 percent.
During an event held at EngineWorks in Bozeman, the governor joined Todd O’Hair, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation with business leaders on Montana’s economic momentum and the factors driving growth across the state.
“Montana’s economy continues to exceed expectations and attract new investment. Our growth is driven by a high caliber workforce and leading entrepreneurial spirit that is growing industries like technology, outdoor recreation, construction and hospitality,” said Todd O’Hair, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “The support and interest of Capital One and the Center for Rural Innovation helps ensure businesses across our state can continue to grow and compete.”
Before the conversation, Capital One announced a $3 million investment to support rural economic growth and small business development in Montana to expand access to capital and technical support for entrepreneurs.
“My wife, Susan, and I founded a company that became the largest employer in Bozeman and know how important access to capital can be in helping start and grow a business,” the governor added. “We’re grateful for Capital One’s investment in Montana and for its support of the entrepreneurs who are creating more good-paying jobs, strengthening our workforce, and expanding opportunities for Montanans.”
Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has prioritized creating the best environment for business and more opportunities for Montanans by delivering the largest tax cuts in state history, providing income tax cuts for Montanans at every income level, and securing immediate and long-term property tax relief.
During the event, the governor outlined his outstanding priorities to continue delivering relief to Montanans, including getting Montana to a flat income tax, cutting red tape, reforming occupational licensing, and further increasing the exemption for small business equipment taxes.
View the Center on Rural Innovation’s Rural Entrepreneurship Index here. View a video recording of the governor’s conversation with Todd O’Hair here.
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