We’ve talked a lot about creating “cradles of innovation” in this country — combination a culture of investment, entrepreneurship and experimentation that accepts and encourages failure in the quest to solve problems and succeed.  According to a new report from the Commerce Department, startups in America were responsible for creating close to three million new jobs in recent years.  Florida, which we visited this week as part of our 30 Million Jobs tour, was no exception: start ups were responsible for creating 1.475 million jobs in the state between 2005 and 2009.

The numbers are looking good for new companies, and it’s no surprise that those trying to tackle America’s job problems are (finally) starting to take notice.  In Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, the President acknowledged startups for innovating and creating millions of new jobs, even singling out the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, whose wife was in attendance at the SOTU.  Said President Obama:

An economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country… we should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.

Obama also focused on the need for reforming certain business regulations that can hold new companies back financially:

Innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let’s pass an agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs.

Entrepreneurship is on the rise, but new businesses are still encountering hardships in this economy.  We had the opportunity to talk to leading business and entrepreneurship experts in Florida — Susan Amat, Executive Director of The Launch Pad at the University of Miami, a coaching center that has launched dozens of student and alumni entrepreneurs and has become a model for other universities.  Also joining Dylan was John Duffy, CEO of 3CInteractive, a Florida-based startup that develops mobile solutions and cloud-based mobile platforms for businesses.

Here’s the video, and a few behind the scenes shots of their visit to our “outdoor studio” in Miami. (Not a bad day to sit outside and talk about creating 30 Million Jobs!)

Check out the behind the scenes shots of Susan and John’s visit to The Dylan Ratigan Show!

John Duffy and Susan Amat with Dylan.
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A little behind-the-scenes shot of the set, with Susan and Dylan and our stage manager.
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Not only are they creating jobs — they come bearing gifts, too! Thanks guys!
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Meg Robertson is a digital producer for DylanRatigan.com.