Top Places to Consider for a Tech Business

The land of the free, the home of the brave and a country of endless opportunities. The US is a very good destination for setting up a business, especially for tech businesses in recent years; some states have continued to put in place schemes to support new entrepreneurs.

There is a reason the US is the most technologically advanced country in the world, with a whopping 88.5 index. The US welcomes technology and even has schemes in place to absorb tech savvy foreign nationals into the US system.

This piece presents top places you should consider for your new tech business, based on the number of high value tech businesses and entrepreneur support programs in the states.

The piece only serves as a guide; you can easily get your ESTA visa and go check things out for yourself.

Virginia

Virginia has the second highest concentration of tech jobs in the US. It is also the leading state in computer systems design, according to CompTia. And, computer systems design is one of the biggest sectors in the US tech industry.

Interestingly also, Virginia has been home to the Centre for Innovating Technology (CIT) since the 1980s. CIT is an initiative that actively supports the growth of tech businesses in the state by offering money to entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses, to get them off the ground.

Colorado

A state of bikers and hikers has created a new trail after being ranked fourth in the US for the number of startup businesses, and third in the concentration of tech workers. 

In the last couple of years, engineers, programmers and scientist have taken up thousands of new jobs here and more are being created.

It is undoubtedly a favourable ecosystem for tech businesses. And, as an immigrant entrepreneur, you are more than welcome in Colorado.

Maryland

Maryland has an Entrepreneurs Resource List which is a networking tool that ensures young startup entrepreneurs can find experienced tech executives for learning and partnership. Female entrepreneurs can equally take advantage of the University of Maryland’s ACTiVATE initiative which provides more than 12 months support to female entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

Maryland ranks fourth in the concentration of tech workers in the US.

Massachusetts

This state boasts some of the most prestigious research institutes in the US such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institutes of Technology.

In 2012, the state legislature passed a bill that provided millions of dollars for entrepreneur mentorships and helping new startups to get capital funding. No wonder the state ranks highest in the concentration of tech workers in the US.

Utah

Utah ranks as the best state for entrepreneurs; it is home to 86 percent of the fastest growing companies in the US.

Entrepreneurs here are actively supported by the state and local governments. The state governor’s Office of Economic Development has a partnership programme with the Weber State University called Startup Ogden, which is focused on offering entrepreneurial mentorship and courses, as well as affordable working spaces to deserving entrepreneurs.

Washington

Washington favours manufacturing through several programs aimed at providing software, tools, training and support to local manufacturers.

Manufacturers can also get funding through the state’s Washington Economic Development Finance Authority's Industrial Revenue Bond program.

Washington is home to the cloud technology centre of Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon. The state was knocked out by California in 2015 (as against 2014) as fifth in concentration of tech workers.

Texas

Texas leads the way in tech wholesale and repair services. Texas’ 2.2 million small businesses account for more than half the private sector employment in the state.

Since 2009, more than 34,000 tech jobs have been created in Texas and it continues to be one of the largest employers in the US tech industry, along with California and New York.

These are top states you should consider when thinking of launching a tech business in the US. Even if you don’t need the special entrepreneurial programmes offered by the individual states, the success of other businesses here should guide your decisions.