OCTOBER 2024 | Issue 23

We often assert that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and the data we've gathered about our 42-county region certainly supports this claim. Non-employer businesses play a significant role in rural communities, offering services, driving innovation, and fueling local economic growth. A non-employer establishment refers to a business entity that operates without any paid employees. These are typically sole proprietorships, partnerships, or corporations where the business owner is the only person working, or they rely on freelancers or contractors rather than having formal employees.

By analyzing the role of non-employer entities, we can better understand how deeply embedded entrepreneurship is within our communities and how important it is to our future that we nurture and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.

Analysis of the Economic Contribution of Entrepreneurs In The Tri-State Region

DATA INSIGHTS

• The region supports a large number of non-employer establishments, with Adams and Knox County in Illinois and Des Moines County in Iowa leading the charge. Marion County is the Missouri county in our region with the most non-employer establishments. Across these counties, thousands of entrepreneurs are running businesses that contribute significantly to local economic activity.

• In our 42-county region, over $2 billion in annual revenues is generated by non-employer establishments. This indicates that entrepreneurs are not just creating businesses but are successfully driving revenue and supporting their local and regional economy in a meaningful way.

• In 50% of our regional counties, the average revenue per entrepreneur outpaces the average wage of employees. This suggests that conducting business in our region can be financially competitive, making entrepreneurship a viable and appealing career path for residents.

• While traditional employer establishments in the region employ a significant number of people, particularly in counties like Adams County, IL, Des Moines County, IA, and Marion County, IA, the presence and success of non-employer businesses complement these traditional jobs. In fact, the data shows that even in counties with strong employment numbers, non-employer establishments are contributing significantly to the local economy, often serving as the backbone of services and community well-being.

• While non-employer establishments don’t create traditional jobs with payrolls, they contribute to job creation in other ways. Entrepreneurs often collaborate with other entrepreneurs like freelancers, contractors, and other local businesses, creating a network of opportunity and keeping the local economy vibrant. Additionally, the success of these small businesses can lead to future expansions, which may result in direct employment opportunities.

• Many Tri-State non-employer establishments operate in diverse industry sectors, ranging from agriculture and retail to professional services. The breadth of entrepreneurial activity highlights the adaptability of entrepreneurs to meet various community needs.

Why Get Involved?

1MC isn’t just about startups—it’s about creating a vibrant ecosystem where business leaders, economic development professionals, business professionals, financial advisors, and seasoned entrepreneurs can share their expertise to help early-stage businesses thrive.

Who Should Come?

YOU! The weekly 1MC meetings are open to everyone in the Tri-State region. Because this is a regional initiative, we encourage participation from each of our 42 counties across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri!

Are you an entrepreneur with either a business idea brewing, or a need to percolate some problem-solving strategies with a supportive community?

We’re looking for entrepreneurs who want to present their ventures at a 1 Million Cups meeting—let your business caffeinate the conversation!"

Please join us in showing gratitude to our sponsors who generously provided support for the 2024 Tri-State Development Summit and for ongoing programming throughout the year.



Please consider becoming a sponsorship partner. Your investments supports not only the Summit but community-focused activities, resources, and tools all year long.

2024 Presenting sponsor:

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Tri-State Development Culver-Stockton College | culver.edu/tsd

Leslie Sieck, Executive Director lsieck@culver.edu]