Internet Speeds, Creative Programs Drive Growth

It isn’t just cloud storage and sharing tech like Dropbox killer Transporter that’s reshaping the business landscape: Internet speeds and innovative local government programs aimed at attracting workers and businesses are set to have a major impact too…

Masses of high-tech firms and the geeks behind them are saying goodbye to the high rents of NYC and Silicon Valley as they join the hunt for new startup hubs. We aren’t even talking about heading for Seattle, Houston or sunny Miami either. How about Grand Rapids, MI or Chattanooga, TN?

Michigan’s state funded initiatives for encouraging tech startups include $8.5 million in available grants and the Grand Rapids Smart Zone which has seen job growth rocket 28% over the last ten years. Chattanooga is getting even more creative: capitalizing on new Internet speeds running four times faster than the national average to attract sizable tech firms and skilled talent. This includes cash grants for relocation expenses and forgivable second mortgages for those moving in for tech jobs under the Gig City program.

Programs like these can provide a huge boost for newer businesses and entrepreneurs between giving them a new, more affordable home where they can still operate as effectively, gain access to great talent, enjoy wider profit margins, and even be more confident in their homes going up in value.

Forward thinking entrepreneurs and young businesses that have already been harnessing the power and flexibility of toll free numbers and advanced call routing could find a move like this virtually effortless and highly profitable.

Of course, firms like Facebook that have been moving on massive building plans for new campuses in overpriced, and perhaps now overrated locales like San Francisco, may not be too pleased with the trend, especially when CEOs like Zuckerberg begin losing millions in home equity as demand for real estate turns on them too.

On the upside, this combination of dual trends stands to open the doors for even more job growth among real estate marketing services specializing in working with this high-tech crowd.