The focus of the academy is to help states develop comprehensive initiatives for entrepreneurs.
Independent entrepreneurs play an increasingly important role as a catalyst for economic vitality.
In places that cannot expect to attract major business but have a high quality of life, talented business people are an especially crucial asset. Locke noted that Washington has a unique business climate because entrepreneurship is the driving force behind the high-growth technology, biotechnology, software development and information technology industries. But Washington also has a high rate of new business closings, and its share of jobs in fast-growing companies is relatively low. Not all regions of the state have benefited from the entrepreneurial energy that has led to growth and prosperity. Helps promising new companies overcome obstacles to growth.