Work being done by the O'Malley administration and locally by our Board of County Commissioners is helping Marylanders start and grow their businesses even as the economy continues to struggle in many areas.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's fourth annual "Enterprising States" report puts Maryland at the top of the standings among states that support innovation and entrepreneurs. Colorado, Virginia, Utah and Massachusetts round out the top five.
An interactive map on the U.S. chamber's website allows visitors to get details on the performance of each state. According to the website, Maryland ranked first in innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to the data, "The state is No. 1 in academic research and development, has the 2nd-highest concentration of STEM employment, and is adding STEM jobs faster than all but five other states."
STEM is a focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Carroll schools have embarked on several STEM-related initiatives, so students will be well-suited to find employment in these growing areas.
And while some members of our board of commissioners have been less than enthusiastic about funding education, the board has put an emphasis on growing small businesses and helping existing businesses expand. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Community College have also played a big role in helping to develop new businesses and grow existing ones.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, the study measured five aspects of policy, including exports and international trade, entrepreneurship and innovation, business climate, talent pipeline and infrastructure.
Fostering small business development, innovation and entrepreneurship puts us on a path to a more prosperous future. And according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey, Maryland is among those states leading the way.
