Understanding the impact of corporate expansions, job creation, and wages paid by the firm on small business creation and failure in the United States: A county-level analysis

This dissertation proposal examines the relationship between corporate growth/expansions and entrepreneurial start-up activity and failures, the number of jobs created, and wages paid by the corporate relocation. Using data sourced from the North Carolina Secretary of State, Census Bureau, and Job Development Investment Grant, I set out to evaluate changes in entrepreneurial startup activity and failures, tax incentive payouts, and salaries arising from large (greater than 251 employees) corporate expansions located in the state of North Carolina. The analysis suggests that expansions of existing corporations directly affect entrepreneurial start-up activity and failures. We conclude by highlighting the study's theoretical contributions to help further the conversation and direct startup and failure business strategies for small businesses.