Nearly 15,000 businesses formed in state in 2003

JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri experienced growth in new business formations last year with 14,930 new businesses created in nearly 100 different industries. The breadth of industries reporting new formations demonstrates the state's economic diversification, with 11 of Missouri's major industry sectors reporting more than 500 new businesses formed for the year.

The "Other Services" category reported the most new business formations with 3,443. Other Services includes such industries as private household businesses, personal services, and repair and maintenance businesses.

Construction, which includes various construction and specialty contractors, was the second largest super sector reporting 2,039 new businesses. Professional, scientific and technical services was third with 1,388.

Counties reporting the highest levels of new business formations were concentrated in metropolitan areas. St. Louis County reported the most new business formations with 2,493, followed by Jackson County, 1,559, St. Charles County, 709, Greene County, 641, and St. Louis City, 620.

Though the highest levels were concentrated in metro areas, many counties not associated with large metro areas saw new business formations ranging from 50 to 300.