Startup America FAQ's

What is the role of the federal government in Startup America?

“Startup America [is] a national campaign to help win the future by knocking down barriers in the path of men and women in every corner of this country hoping to take a chance, follow a dream, and start a business.”

-President Barack Obama, January 31, 2011

The Obama Administration is taking concrete actions to improve the environment for high-growth entrepreneurship.  So far, these new policy initiatives include encouraging private sector investment in startups using tax incentives and the Small Business Investment Company program, allowing entrepreneurs to request faster review of their patents, supporting mentorship programs for Veteran entrepreneurs and cleantech entrepreneurs, and funding regional collaborations that accelerate the commercialization of new technologies.

Read more about the Obama Administration’s commitments to entrepreneurship.

What is the Startup America Partnership?

“Startup America also represents a historic partnership with business leaders, investors, universities, foundations, and non-profits, and we're urging others to join them in this effort. For entrepreneurs speak to what's best about America, and in their drive and innovative spirit -- in their willingness to take a risk on a bold idea -- we can see the future. We can see how America will compete and win in the 21st century global economy.”

-President Barack Obama, January 31, 2011

The private sector plays a critical role in achieving the goals of Startup America.  In response to the President’s call to action to promote high-growth entrepreneurship across the country, leaders in the private sector have launched the Startup America Partnership, an independent alliance of entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, foundations, non-profits, and universities.

These private-sector partners are already making commitments to educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, connect more entrepreneurs with high-quality mentors, foster more collaborations between startups and large companies, and accelerate research breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace.

The Startup America Partnership will also convene an Entrepreneurship Action Summit later this year, bringing together the greatest entrepreneurs and innovators in America to dramatically accelerate startup success and job creation.

Read more about the private sector’s commitments to entrepreneurship.