Just last week, we announced a new platform, joinusmn.com, to share news and insights about the great state that we get to live in. The website is part of a first-of-its-kind campaign launched in partnership with businesses and economic development partners from across the state, along with the Minnesota Marketing Partnership, to highlight why Minnesota is an exceptional state to build a business or advance a career.

We know this has been an extraordinarily difficult couple of years in so many ways, and many businesses and workers have had to endure hardships and heartaches. Still, there is reason for optimism. There is reason to celebrate. There is every reason to lift up the amazingly diverse, innovative, and dynamic economy and state that we get to call home.

Our entrepreneurs and business leaders are building on the legacy of one of our country's truly great success stories right here in Minnesota. This is the state that pioneered open heart surgery and supercomputing, invented in-ear hearing aids and the pacemaker, made Minnesota the birthplace of the concrete grain elevator, post-it notes, and water-skiing.

And by almost every data point you measure, Minnesota ranks well – above average as a state to start and grow a business in. Of all those rankings, there's one we think is particularly important, and it's that we have the highest 5-year business survival rate of all 50 states. If you start a business in Minnesota – it's more likely to be around in five years than in any other state in the country.

Minnesotans start businesses they believe in, businesses that help shape the global economy, and they work hard as heck to make them successful. This is the state of home-grown success. Minnesotans Build What Matters.

We're inviting more people to be part of the success we are building.

The Governor and our team at DEED believe your government owes its people and its economy an effort that seeks to position our state at the forefront of innovation and equitable growth. We can't rest on our laurels or on our history – we need to lose a little of that Minnesota humility and not be afraid to talk about ourselves.

And in the same breath, we must not be afraid to unflinchingly face the parts of our economy that need to be addressed. The economic disparities that exist in Minnesota have not only worsened since the pandemic, they have put Minnesota in the international spotlight as a place that needs to face long-standing racial inequities.

You will see that we aren't shying away from the tough conversations on joinusmn.com. We're addressing them head-on to invite more people and companies to come here, share in the growing list of inspiring efforts happening across our business, community, and government, and pursue the systemic changes for racial equity and true equality of opportunity that our state needs.

We invite you to share your stories about building what matters. We also invite you to reach out to us if we can help you pursue your dreams here in Minnesota. Whether you're looking to expand an existing business, relocate operations from another state or country, or need regulatory and permitting guidance for a complex startup, expansion or relocation, we have the right background, information, and connections to other state and local agencies to help turn your plans to reality.

Join Us! Contact us at 651-259-7432, JoinUsMN@state.mn.us.