Last week, we talked about how entrepreneurs, who serve a crucial role in growing an economy, have been shortchanged by the proposed stimulus package. See our previous post: How Entrepreneurs are Key to Job Creation . Now, as the Wall Street Journal is reporting, many individual states are planning to encourage and harness the energy of entrepreneurs. Maryland is tackling the issue head on by allocating over $70 million for programs to support small and minority owned businesses, and $15 million for heath insurance at such businesses. The approach in Florida includes low interest rate loans for small businesses with less than 100 employees. Loans up to $250,000, that would be purposed for everything from expansion to new salaries, would be available at a 2% interest rate. In New Jersey, to spur expansion and hiring, a stimulus plan includes grants and tax incentives. $3,000 is available for small companies that hire an employee and keep them for a year. Sales tax credits are being considered for capital investments that exceed $5,000. Similar tax incentives are being considered in Colorado, Arizona, and Minnesota. Such considerations at the state level are a step in the right direction, and signal recognition, at the government level, that entrepreneurs can and will play a significant role in reinvigorating the American economy. read more