Episode 2 of 6: Salt Lake City Region
For UK and European tech and digital scale-ups evaluating US expansion in 2025, Utah offers a compelling proposition backed by consistent top rankings for business success. In this focused episode from GTM Global’s comprehensive US regional showcase, David Carlebach from the World Trade Center Utah and Wayne Coleman, principal at C3 Associates, reveal why the state’s dynamic business ecosystem deserves serious consideration for your US market entry strategy.
The Best Bang for the Buck
Consistently rated among America’s top business destinations, Utah presents a unique value proposition that David Carlebach, having led Goldman Sachs’ expansion into what became their second-largest US office, describes as “the best bang for the buck.” The state combines reasonable operating costs with outstanding workforce quality and accessibility at the crossroads of the American West.
Key Advantages of Expanding to Utah
Key advantages include:
Key Industry Sectors
The state’s commitment to diversified economic growth is evident across several thriving sectors:
Foreign Trade Zone Program: A Standout Feature
A standout feature is Utah’s foreign trade zone program, administered by World Trade Center Utah, offering significant advantages for international companies. As Wayne Coleman explains, the program allows companies to reduce or eliminate duties on imported components used in US manufacturing, providing substantial cost savings for operations.
Major Catalysts for Utah’s Bright Future
The state’s future looks particularly bright with several major catalysts on the horizon, including:
A Proven Market for International Businesses
For UK and European companies interested in exploring Utah’s international business opportunities, the state offers a consistently business-friendly environment, strong infrastructure, and a proven track record with international businesses. The combination of reasonable costs, quality workforce, and strategic location makes Utah an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional coastal hubs.
US Market Entry Insights: A Comprehensive Panel Discussion
This episode is part of a comprehensive panel discussion featuring six dynamic US regions, each offering unique advantages for international companies. The full session, hosted by Mark Stimpfig and Ian Collins of GTM Global, provides insights into alternative locations for US market entry, supported by Frazier and Deeter’s expertise in US tax and business regulations, and Ryuken Capital offering access to debt finance and investment capital. You can watch the full panel discussion here.