Entrepreneurs from all 3 states received awards acknowledging their impact on the tri-state region at the 2009 Summit in Fairfield, Iowa.
In 2007 an Entrepreneurship Task Force was established under the Tri-State Development Summit. The group’s mission is to encourage and assist entrepreneurs in the development of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses throughout the tri-state region.
There is no doubt entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy. 2.5 million jobs were created in 2010 by establishments less than 1 year old according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of the overall 12 million new jobs added in 2007, young firms (1-5 years old) were responsible for the creation of nearly 8 million of those jobs according to 2007 Census data as reported by the Kauffman Foundation.
The Entrepreneurship Task Force focuses on two areas:
- Helping entrepreneurs find the most effective resources to take their business or idea to the next level
- Collaborating with development professionals to promote an entrepreneur-friendly tri-state region
The entrepreneurship task force hosts quarterly events to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with local economic information, business-related tips & advice and networking opportunities with other business owners. Speakers vary by session and locations rotate between Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.