top of page

25 in 25

25 Years. One Goal.

Building the Best State in America for Business.

Open Store Sign

25 in 25 is a business-led commitment to move Wyoming into the top 25 most competitive states to do business.

Not overnight, but deliberately, sustainably, and responsibly.

Wyoming doesn't need to chase trends. But it does need a plan. â€‹

​

In 2025, Wyoming ranked 31st overall in state competitiveness. Once a leader in business friendliness, affordability, and tax policy, the state has fallen behind the national pace. Combined with persistent challenges in infrastructure, workforce, innovation, and access to capital, Wyoming’s competitive position is weakening at a time when economic momentum matters more than ever.
 

25 in 25 is a forward-looking initiative to move Wyoming into the top 25 states for economic competitiveness over the next 25 year (by year 2050), through smart policy, strategic investment, and business friendly leadership. We are not looking for quick wins. We are focused on building a Wyoming economy that works not just today, but for the next generation. 

Current Ranking: Wyoming - 31

Category

2025 Score

2025 Rank

2024 Rank

2025 Grade

Economy

273

11

15

B-

Infrastructure

166

42

31

D

Workforce

161

35

40

D+

Education

152

27

30

B-

Technology & Innovation

168

12

10

B+

Cost of Living

136

29

18

C-

Cost of Doing Business

92

44

44

F

Business Friendliness

60

16

17

B

Quality of Life

20

36

30

D-

Access to Capital 

41

7

27

B

Overall

1269

31

30

-

The 5 Pillars of 25 in 25​

1. Infrastructure That Enables Growth

​

Competitive economies are built on reliable, modern infrastructure. Wyoming’s infrastructure ranking reflects years of underinvestment and regulatory delay that make it harder for businesses to expand, relocate, or operate efficiently.​​

​

25 in 25 will prioritize:

  • Strategic investment in transportation, utilities, housing, and broadband

  • Predictable, timely permitting and regulatory processes

  • Infrastructure planning that supports both urban centers and rural communities

​​

2. A Workforce Ready for the Future

​

Wyoming’s workforce challenges are not about effort, they are about alignment. Employers struggle to find skilled workers, while young talent often leaves the state for opportunity elsewhere.

​

25 in 25 will focus on:

  • Stronger alignment between education, training, and employer needs

  • Expansion of career and technical education pathways

  • Policies that support talent attraction, retention, and re-entry into the workforce

​​

3. Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship 

​

Wyoming’s ranking in technology and innovation highlights the need for a more supportive environment for new ideas and emerging industries. Innovation does not replace Wyoming’s heritage industries, it strengthens and modernizes them.

​

25 in 25 will advance:

  • Innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks

  • Support for startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs

  • Increased adoption of technology across traditional and emerging industries

​​

4. Accesss to Capital for Wyoming Businesses

​

Even the best ideas stall without capital. Wyoming businesses, particularly small and rural enterprises, face real challenges accessing the financing needed to start, expand, or innovate.

​

25 in 25 will focus on:

  • Expanding financing tools and investment opportunities

  • Strengthening public-private partnerships

  • Reducing barriers that limit business growth and expansion

​​

5. A Stable, Competitive Business Climate 

​

Wyoming’s tax structure and affordability have long been competitive advantages, but they cannot be taken for granted. A stable business climate gives employers the confidence to invest for the long term.

​

25 in 25 is committed to:

  • Preserving Wyoming’s pro-business tax environment

  • Ensuring regulatory certainty and transparency

  • Supporting fiscally responsible policies that encourage private investment

​

Legislative Alignment Framework

Pillar

Policy Focus Areas

Legislative & Regulatory Priorities

Infrastructure That Enables Growth

Transportation, utilities, broadband, housing, permitting

• Streamline and standardize permitting timelines
• Support sustainable infrastructure funding mechanisms
• Expand broadband access statewide
• Reduce regulatory delays that stall projects

A Workforce Ready for the Future

Education alignment, talent pipeline, labor participation

• Align education and training programs with employer needs
• Expand career and technical education (CTE) pathways
• Support workforce participation and retention initiatives

Innovation, Technology, & Entrepreneurship

Innovation policy, technology adoption, startups

• Remove regulatory barriers to innovation and emerging industries
• Support research, development, and commercialization efforts
• Encourage technology adoption across sectors

Access to Capital

​

Financing tools, investment, small business growth

• Expand access to capital for small and rural businesses
• Strengthen public-private investment partnerships
• Modernize financing and incentive programs

A Stable & Competitive Business Climate

Tax policy, regulatory certainty, affordability

• Preserve Wyoming’s competitive tax structure
• Promote regulatory clarity and predictability
• Support fiscally responsible, pro-growth policies

©2024 Wyoming Chamber of Commerce

bottom of page