The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network addressed on May 7 the challenges facing Wyoming’s STEM professionals, particularly in retaining talent and supporting entrepreneurship within the state.
Monica Jo Patten, research and commercialization director of the SBDC Network’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Program, said that while Wyoming ranks sixth nationally for education, many young residents leave after completing their studies. “Two-thirds of Wyoming-born residents have left for other states by the time they reach 30 years old,” Patten said.
Patten described her own experience growing up in Wyoming schools with strong academic opportunities but later finding that most research-heavy science jobs were located outside the state. She eventually returned to Wyoming after two decades to advise startups. Patten said, “I noticed Wyoming STEM jobs were predominantly in manufacturing. I slowly started expanding my skills… I monitored STEM jobs in Wyoming for years and didn’t find one in my specific field until I made some pivots 20 years after leaving.”
She highlighted a key challenge: employers often view out-of-state applicants as outsiders who may not stay long-term. According to Patten, “There is an assumption that, if someone doesn’t currently live in Wyoming, they will leave after their first winter or their first six-hour drive for a Target run.” She added that options for research-heavy careers are often hidden because they have yet to be created.
Patten suggested federal grant programs such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) as alternative paths for those seeking research-focused work within the state. These grants can provide significant funding to small businesses solving government-posted research problems.
The SBDC Network offers no-cost advising and technical assistance to entrepreneurs at all stages of business development. In 2025, it helped start 42 new businesses, supported over 2,000 jobs, and contributed $12.8 million in capital impact statewide. The network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with support from state funds and federal partnerships.