Thumbtack presented the Champion of Small Business Award to Gov. Gary R. Herbert at the Thumbtack Utah Office on Monday, August 11.
Utah was the top rated state in this year’s Thumbtack-Kauffman Foundation small business friendliness survey. (Full survey)
“It’s an honor to receive the Champion of Small Business Award on behalf of the state,” said Gov. Herbert. “Our unrelenting focus on sticking to the fundamentals of economic strength has resulted in the nation’s second-lowest unemployment rate, a sensible regulatory environment, low and consistent tax rates, a well-educated and productive workforce, and superb quality of life, all of which benefit small businesses.”
Thumbtack.com surveyed 12,632 small businesses across the United States. The survey asked questions about the friendliness of states towards small business and about small business finances. Thumbtack.com evaluated states and cities against one another along multiple metrics and Utah took the top spot.
The award presentation will be followed by a panel for local small businesses featuring Utah experts from various agencies and organizations. There will be a lunch for press, local business invitees and the Salt Lake Chamber immediately following the panel.
“I look forward to being a part of this celebration,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “Our office is a strong supporter of small business from our business resource centers, which provide resources for starting and growing a small business, to our Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, which help small businesses obtain government contracts.”
Headquartered in San Francisco, Thumbtack is a consumer service that helps millions of people accomplish the personal projects that are central to their lives. Thumbtack introduces customers to experienced professionals who are available, interested and qualified to meet their specific needs. Whether looking for a painter for their home, a math tutor for their child, or a DJ for their wedding, Thumbtack provides anyone in the U.S. with an easy and dependable way to get started, compare options, and hire with confidence. The company has raised $49 million from Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, Javelin Venture Partners, and other investors.
“Utah’s small businesses spoke up loud and clear that Utah is a terrific place to do business,” said Luke McGowan, head of public policy at Thumbtack. “We’re thrilled to recognize Governor Herbert for being such a tremendous supporter of the thousands of Thumbtack small business service professionals working in Utah.”
