Tax incentives not always best way to stimulate growth

Wednesday, 18 June 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

State tax incentives – often used to attract or retain existing businesses – aren’t always the best way to stimulate economic growth. According to a new Entrepreneurship Policy Digest released by the US-basedKauffman Foundation, these programs, while sometimes economically justified, often overlook the businesses that create most new jobs – namely, new companies. The Policy Digest offers alternative strategies for states to either improve their existing incentive programs or boost job creation by fostering firm formation. “States spend tens of billions of dollars each year trying to entice businesses to locate within their borders, but these policies often miss the real job creators: new and young businesses,” said Jason Wiens, policy engagement manager at the Kauffman Foundation. “Alternative economic development strategies exist that focus on entrepreneurial growth without incurring costly tax incentives.” Culling ideas from Kauffman research and those developed at a recent Kauffman Foundation conference on state incentive programs, the Policy Digest offers the following strategies for how states can better foster entrepreneurship: Reexamine Licensing: Revisit requirements for professional and occupational licensing to spur entrepreneurial competition and new business creation. Welcome Immigrants: Create a welcome atmosphere for immigrants, who were significantly more likely than native-born workers to start businesses in 2013. Stress Human Capital and Resource Awareness: Focus on education to boost entrepreneurial activity and the creation of new businesses. College graduates with degrees in various disciplines, including the arts, are likely to contribute to business creation. Connect Entrepreneurs with Resources: Regions are strengthened when entrepreneurs connect with one another. Entrepreneurship support programs should facilitate network formation, peer learning and mentorships. Different types of entrepreneurs require different resources. Consider gaps in the local entrepreneurship community and how various programs can be connected to each other.

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