From Karyn Keanaaina, Southwest Technical College
Cedar City, Utah — Since its inception and opening, the Cedar City Business & Innovation Center, housed at Southwest Technical College, has been a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering small business growth and innovation in Cedar City. This center is a testament to Cedar City’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, further solidifying its reputation as the best small city to start a business, as recognized recently by WalletHub.
According to WalletHub, Cedar City boasts one of the highest rates of startups per capita and the fourth-highest growth in the number of small businesses between 2015 and 2021, at over 33%. This remarkable growth demonstrates Cedar City’s ability to sustain small businesses even during challenging economic times. The city also enjoys the fourth-lowest average commute time, just 13 minutes, allowing residents to maximize their productivity and work-life balance. With impressive rankings in annual employment growth and working-age population growth, Cedar City is well-positioned to provide a robust workforce for new businesses.
Gabbie Costello, Cedar City’s community relations and public information officer, highlighted the city’s dedication to supporting small businesses. “One of the reasons Cedar City consistently ranks in the top five is due to access to government grants and the availability of numerous small business resources,” Costello stated. An example of this support is the recent funding awarded to five businesses through the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Rural County Grant Program. “We hope to continue this program as long as funding is received and available,” Costello added. “We are always looking for other sources to assist small businesses. Supporting small businesses remains a top priority in Iron County.”
The launch of the Business & Innovation Center was a strategic move to leverage these advantages and provide a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to innovate, collaborate, and thrive. Southwest Technical College created the Innovation Center and partnered with Southern Utah University, The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, The Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, The Women’s Business Center of Utah, the Small Business Development Center, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to help businesses from start-up and beyond. These partners all play a pivotal role in this initiative, offering state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and access to vital resources. The Business & Innovation Center has helped foster success for dozens of businesses, and continues to grow within the region, expanding their services and customizing them to each business partner.
Utah’s favorable business climate includes easy access to business-loan financing, significant year-over-year employment growth, and cost-effective employee benefits. Additionally, Utah’s commendation on the “Digital States Survey” from the Center for Digital Government highlights its effective use of technology to enhance business efficiency.
Southwest Technical College is committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Cedar City. The Business & Innovation Center will continue to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, ensuring that Cedar City remains a beacon for small business success.
For more information about the Cedar City Business Innovation Center, please contact Jeremy Waite, Innovation Center Manager at [email protected] or (435) 865-3963.