By this we mean the ability and willingness of individuals to take risks and to start new companies. While larger, established companies by their very nature most often form the body of viable regional economies, new business starts are the heartbeat. The rate and quality of that heartbeat is a critical indicator of the future vitality of that economy. High growth, high value-added businesses are of particular importance.
Business starts combine existing resources in new ways to create new value.
They define an entrepreneurial culture and are important sources of employment, economic, and technological dynamism. They are also growth engines that propel innovation and the generation of new wealth.