Business Services

Teams

Ryan Starks | Managing Director 801-458-5372 | ryanstarks@utah.gov

Business Services

GOED’s Business Services team continually finds ways to enhance its programs and outreach. The team is composed of the Office of Rural Development (ORD), the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), the Utah Industry and Innovation Center (formerly called the SBIR Center), and the state’s targeted industries initiative. Last year, the team also managed partnerships with the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), the Business Resource Centers (BRCs), and the Broadband Advisory Council.

Last year also presented an opportunity to expand the 2017 Opportunity Zones incentives, which were established by Congress in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. GOED partnered with the Sorenson Impact Center and the Utah Association of Counties to formulate a plan to assist rural and urban areas in low-income census tracts. The goal is to attract investments in the areas that need it most.

Through strategic planning and analysis, we will continue to fulfill GOED’s mission by refining our programs, incentives, and outreach to foster business growth and expansion throughout Utah, and develop business-ready infrastructure.

Thanks to our partnerships with the private sector, statewide economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other state and federal agencies, Utah is known as a prime destination for companies and industries seeking to expand, relocate, partner, and innovate. GOED can deliver more opportunities to Utah businesses than ever. Every win enhances our economy.