Successful long-term economic development strategies often proceed on multiple tracks, leveraging the resources and assets available throughout a region to grow a multi-faceted job base.

Gov. Josh. Shapiro’s plan to invest $500 million in site development is one such strategy. Job-creating companies are being lured to other states with impressive incentives. If we don’t have sites ready for development, we can’t even get to the starting line.

But nurturing startup entrepreneurs and smaller companies is also a critical part of the equation. Working with these companies, nurturing them in the early stages, anticipating their needs and supporting their success as they mature, can create a cycle of growth that benefits the entire region.

Read more at the Pittsburgh Business Times.