Matthew Stotts, a lecturer in UCSB’s Technology Management Program, recently wrote an excellent article, “How Startups Survive and Thrive," regarding the maturing start-up industry in the Central Coast region. He observes that Santa Barbara reaps benefits from its position as a stable, growing environment for new businesses.
I could not agree more. In fact, I believe that in addition to encouraging start-ups, the region would benefit from encouraging established industries to create new opportunities to keep the economic engine humming.
For the last five years, Santa Barbara County has seen significant growth in the information technology, banking, and finance sectors. I believe business leaders, innovators, policy makers, and educators should drill down into established industries to ensure long-term success.