Even during a pandemic, Utah’s economy is ranked # 1

This month, the US News & World Report ranked Utah’s economy No. 1 among the 50 states in its Best ranking of states report. Utah also ranked among the best in education and is the third best state overall. State economic rankings tracked unemployment rates, GDP growth, migration to state, patents, new businesses, and more.

“These rankings confirm what the Utahns have known for years: Utah is the best state in the country in terms of economic opportunity, education and quality of life,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

Rankings are based on more than 70 metrics and tens of thousands of data points to capture how states best serve their citizens across eight main categories, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the economy. Other categories included crime and corrections, fiscal stability, the opportunity it provides to its residents, and the natural environment.

Read the full reports here and here.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Utah’s economy

From our rural roots to our silicone slopes, Utah’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Buying local goods, services and cultural experiences supports these important businesses and strengthens Utah’s economy for generations to come.

Small businesses in Utah have felt the impact of the pandemic harder than others, and there has never been a more crucial time to consciously shop for small businesses in Utah. As reported in the 2021 Business in Utah Problem, Utah companies “represent 99% of all businesses and employ 46% of all workers in the state.” When we support Utah businesses, we are helping each other and helping our communities.

The Governor’s Office for Economic Development and the Legislature have worked hard to provide critical relief for businesses across the state through small business support programs and initiatives funded by state and federal funds.

Utah Business Success Stories

While relief funds have helped ease the burden of the pandemic, Utah’s real success lies with its people. The people and businesses of Utah have worked hard to adapt to uncertain times. Over the past year, we have seen how committed local businesses are to mobilizing to meet new challenges.

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Restaurant Eva

Before the pandemic strikes, Restaurant Eva was the busiest he had ever been. After 12 years on Salt Lake City’s Main Street, the restaurant was booming, with a record number of employees on its payroll. That quickly changed when the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States and restaurant management protocols drastically changed.

Eva has streamlined her menu to accommodate the ever-changing situation, focusing on high quality ingredients while welcoming fewer staff into the kitchen. It has also expanded its take-out offering, bringing the experience of tapas (Spanish appetizers) to people staying at home.

Although the restaurant temporarily closed in May 2020, it has reopened with the help of the Paycheck Protection Program and is working to ensure it will remain a staple on Main Street for years to come. future.

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Podium

With COVID-19 in full force, Podium, the leading customer messaging platform for local businesses, released Podium starter, a free suite of tools designed to help local businesses adapt to the new standard by texting their customers. This free essential tool has helped local Utah businesses begin to establish and maintain contact with their customers.

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Utah Live Bands

The award-winning producer of wedding rings and weddings, Utah Live Bands, is known to create memorable events. The company has helped put Utah on the map as a premium, world-class entertainment resource. Being able to continue producing entertainment for events was essential for the success and survival of their business and the many employees and contractors who work with them.

Thanks to a Shop in Utah subsidy, the company not only survives, but also makes its events more secure during a critical time for its customers and staff. According to CEO and owner of Utah Live Bands, Tobian, this has given their customers more confidence to run events in a safe and responsible manner and enabled them to provide sanitation services for free. By proactively taking health precautions, Utah Live Bands can implement creative solutions that meet national and local guidelines for staying open. The company is currently innovating the Conver Live Stream space for conventions and corporate events during the pandemic.

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Align the spa

Align the spa has been a staple in the Park City community for over 15 years. As the oldest spa in this mining town, it is repeatedly voted Best Spa or Best Massage by locals. With the Shop In Utah grant money they received in August, they teamed up with local restaurants to spend $ 100 at Align Spa and receive $ 100 for a local restaurant promotion. The spa has partnered with local restaurants including Sammy’s Bistro Express, Riverhorse on Main, Freshies Lobster, and The Boneyard Saloon. The four restaurants have chosen to share the proceeds of the grant with local owners. “They are a hardworking and passionate group of people who represent Park City and strive to make it better through the dining experience and customer service they provide,” said Sorensen, spa manager. Align Spa is one of many stories of local businesses that support and reinforce each other.

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Statewide success

Read more for inspiration In Utah Stories of people and businesses across Utah who have worked hard to adapt to uncertain times. Do you have your own unique success story? You can share your story or someone else’s story by submitting a form on In Utah website or by posting your story on social media using #InUtah.

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