As an agricultural state, South Dakota has a long history of homegrown prosperity through hard work that leads to success. From those who planted the prairie for subsistence crops through today's agri-business owners who literally feed the world, South Dakotans have always understood that supporting local enterprises is good for our families and for our state's economy.

That practice of growing our own prosperity remains important today for many of our rural communities. It's important to understand that a large part of our business growth comes from companies already doing business in South Dakota communities. By nurturing existing small businesses in communities throughout South Dakota, we build our economic strength as a state.

Equally important is encouraging new business enterprises through homegrown entrepreneurship. South Dakota has a vast store of talented people with good ideas-people who are eager to develop those ideas into companies to benefit their families, their communities and their state.

Every year since 2002, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council has identified South Dakota as the best state in the nation for entrepreneurial friendliness and business climate. By starting a business in South Dakota, entrepreneurs are beginning their ventures with tax and regulatory benefits they can't find anywhere else.

What's more, South Dakota entrepreneurs have a statewide resource network including South Dakota Rural Enterprise's Dakota Rising program, the Governor's Office of Economic Development, The Enterprise Institute, and the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce's Giant Vision Business Plan Competition.

While state support is certainly important, it is greatly complemented by energy and backing at the local level. One of the most important ways communities can encourage local growth is by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Building a local culture that supports home-grown talents and ideas is one of the best steps a community can take to build its economy from within. Each community-and each dedicated local resident in those communities-can encourage growth by investing in time, talent and resources to make that community economically stronger.

It can be hard work-investing in our communities to build a brighter future. But South Dakotans have never been afraid of hard work. Our consistent commitment to the next generation has built South Dakota into a state filled with exciting possibilities.

2011 SUMMER REPORT
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	Agriculture is South Dakota's leading industry
	Dakota Rising makes Facebook connections
	Capital Investment Fund is about more than the money
	Projects show diversity of New Markets Tax Credit program
	Talking with you is the smartest thing we do
	Building our local businesses drives economic growth
	The value of higher-wage jobs in our economy