Missouri Governor Signs Right to Start Act, Creating Office of Entrepreneurship
Bipartisan Momentum is Building Nationally, State by State, to Advance Entrepreneurship, as Entrepreneurs Create Virtually All Net Job Growth in America
Jefferson City, MO – July 10, 2024 – Right to Start, the national initiative to advance entrepreneurship as a civic and community priority, announced today that Governor Mike Parson has signed the Right to Start Act (SB 894 & 825), which will take effect on August 28, 2024. The legislation passed in the Missouri House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support in 2024: by votes of 117-7 in the House and 31-1 in the Senate.
Missouri’s Right to Start Act creates an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Economic Development to promote policies and initiatives to support the growth of entrepreneurship of Missouri-based businesses with less than 10 employees. It also requires that, by no later than June 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Administration files a report with the General Assembly that includes information on contracts awarded to businesses that have been in operation for less than three years. It also requires the Commissioner of Administration, in conjunction with the Office of Entrepreneurship, to make recommendations to the General Assembly on improving access and resources for Missouri businesses that have been in operation for less than three years, including businesses owned by members of a racial minority group, and women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.
With Missouri’s enactment of this legislation, bipartisan momentum is building nationally – state by state – to enact policy recommendations advanced by Right to Start. Missouri is the second state to sign into law the Right to Start Act, and Office of Entrepreneurship; Nevada enacted and signed into law its Right to Start Act with strong bipartisan support in July 2023. New Mexico created an Office of Entrepreneurship, inspired by Right to Start policy recommendations, by executive department action in September 2023. Kansas created the position of Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship by executive department action in March 2024, inspired by Right to Start’s work in the state. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced in May 2024 the appointment of the state’s first-ever Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer to “help build a community of innovation and make Michigan a place where innovators and entrepreneurs feel seen and heard and work together to drive us forward.”
Right to Start policy recommendations and Right to Start Acts are being considered throughout the United States on the local, state, and federal levels. They are underpinned by the fact that entrepreneurs create virtually all net job growth in America. In addition, research in the United States shows that for every 1% increase in the entrepreneurship rate, the poverty rate decreases by 2%. A survey conducted by a bipartisan team of pollsters for Right to Start also shows that Americans almost unanimously agree that “it is important to America’s future that citizens have a fair opportunity to start and grow their own business”: 94% agree, 2% disagree, and 4% are not sure. That near-unanimity crosses party lines – with 95% of Republicans, 95% of Independents, and 92% of Democrats agreeing.
This national momentum took its first official step in 2021 when the first-ever Right to Start Act was introduced in Missouri by State Representative Travis Fitzwater, now a State Senator. That initial bill passed the Missouri House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, but there was not enough time in that session for it to progress in the Senate. With State Senator Travis Fitzwater’s continued leadership on entrepreneurship policy, the Right to Start Act has now become law.
“Advancing entrepreneurship will energize the Missouri economy,” said State Senator Travis Fitzwater. “This new law makes advancing startup businesses and young companies a statewide priority and provides essential tools to maximize that potential for the benefit of all Missourians.”
“It’s exciting to see the national momentum building around the creation of statewide Offices of Entrepreneurship and similar initiatives to support entrepreneurs,” said Victor W. Hwang, Founder and CEO of Right to Start. “Missouri was the first state to introduce such Right to Start policy, and its enactment of the Right to Start Act underscores its national leadership on continuing to move entrepreneurship forward at the state level.”
“Momentum in support of entrepreneurship policy is growing in states, cities, and counties throughout the nation,” said Jason Grill, Right to Start’s Chief Government Affairs Officer. “Elected, appointed, and department officials increasingly appreciate both the economic impact and the importance of entrepreneurship, as well as the broad public support for it. They’re eager to find ways to reduce and eliminate barriers to starting and energizing new, young businesses.”
Right to Start’s policy recommendations are available here. To speak with Victor Hwang or Jason Grill, contact Henry Miller – hmiller@highimpactpartnering.com or 917-921-8034.
About Right to Start
Right to Start is a national nonpartisan movement to advance entrepreneurship as a civic priority throughout the United States. Entrepreneurship has long been viewed as a solitary endeavor – the lone starter in a basement or garage. Right to Start’s vision is to transform America so that all communities prioritize entrepreneurship, clearing away obstacles to ensure that every American has an equal right to start and a level playing field on which to embark. The campaign is conducted through two affiliated nonprofit organizations, a 501(c)3 and a 501(c)4.