In 2013, Kentucky announced 281 new location and expansion projects, which are projected to create more than 14,000 jobs and $3.3 billion new investment.
According to the most recent data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kentucky ranked first among all states in the percentage growth of new businesses. It’s the second straight quarter Kentucky has led the nation in that category.
Last year, almost 40 percent of new investment and more than 30 percent of new jobs came from foreign direct investment.
Exports of Kentucky-made products are up 10 percent this year. That’s on top of last year’s record export growth, which was the second highest in the U.S. In 2013 the Commonwealth exported a state record $25.3 billion in goods and services.
The Kauffman Foundation Index ranks Kentucky 7th in the nation for entrepreneurial activity and first east of the Mississippi River (360 entrepreneurs per 100,000 people). For the tw0-year ranking, Kentucky placed 5th in the nation!
Looking ahead, the shy’s the limit for our great Commonwealth. With a continued focus on business attraction and expansion, entrepreneurship, innovation and workforce development, Kentucky will be a key player in the global economy for years to come!
