April 30 to May 6 is National Small Business Week, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE. The latter is a mentorship group with chapters across the country and resource partner to the SBA. These entities are hosting a free, two-day virtual summit May 2-3 that features 15 educational sessions for small business owners and team members. View the agenda and register at either of these links: Small businesses were a priority during my tenure as the first business development and communications director for the City of Mandan, N.D. from 2006 to January 2023. Business growth in communities comes in three basic forms:
When I first took the Mandan job, advice, ideas and chatter were plentiful about what we should attract from the outside. It seemed everyone wanted what we didn’t have. Many of those businesses didn’t necessarily want Mandan, at least at that time. Usually corporately-owned or under a franchise model, national retail and restaurant establishments often have rigorous site requirements including populations and traffic counts far larger than Mandan’s. Retention and expansion of existing businesses is the real bread and butter of local economic development programs. After hearing feedback that some Mandan business owners felt all the attention was being focused on new businesses, we ramped up communications about assistance for existing and expanding businesses. Interactions and outreach to businesses included in-person visits, surveys, and newsletters, and annually mailing a fact sheet summarizing local incentive programs and area resources. We began coordinating educational sessions, market updates and community conversations about topics of importance for Mandan business owners and prospects. Fostering business start-ups also yielded a generally better return on investment than various recruitment attempts. Mandan introduced an annual business start-up workshop and business pitch challenge. Local entrepreneurs answered the call when when we made it known that restaurants topped the citizen wish list for ways to improve Mandan (even above lowering property taxes). Nine of 10 applications came from area residents for first-come, first-served, limited-time Restaurant Rewards interest buydowns and sales tax rebates. They had faith and were willing to take a risk by investing in additional full-service and fresh, fast concepts. Some participating restaurants are independent, one-of-a-kind establishments. Others operate under a franchise agreement, but still locally owned. I encourage business owners and those planning to start businesses to introduce themselves to the local business development department, economic development organization, chamber, and/or other business association. City, county or regional development groups can be an advocate for small businesses, a convener and connector. At a minimum, they can spread the word about your business. Local economic and business development entities may manage or be aware of opportunities for assistance such as loan programs, matching funds or tax exemptions to reduce start-up and expansion costs. If you get too far along in the process, your project may no longer be eligible. Municipal contacts are a source of information to avoid costly mistakes related to zoning, building and fire code, and permits. Small business owners looking at a real estate purchase or lease and building projects should inquire about any future roadway and infrastructure improvements or other community plans that could improve or impede the site. Please join in celebrating small businesses and contributions they make to your community. Let’s renew our commitment to “supporting local” and the businesses that invest in a community presence. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. #smallbusinessweek #supportlocal As a consultant providing services in economic and community development, I won’t ride into your town on a white horse like a false savior, pretending to have superior ideas or all the answers with a fill-in-the-blank strategic plan. My husband and I own several horses; none are white. I want to hear your ideas about your community dreams.
Most communities have good people in place who understand the area’s strengths and weaknesses in the context of the surrounding county, region and state. They are aware of actions needed to be more desirable as a place to live, work, do business and visit. These communities are often just under-resourced, relying on part-time employees and volunteers. These dedicated community members are very capable, but might be the same people trying to do everything with nothing. They could use more help and support. My goal is to assist community members in making their towns the best they can be. From county and city commissions and councils to school and park boards, chambers, economic development organizations and advisory committees, chambers, tourism bureaus and civic groups, any combination of entities and team members can become involved. It just takes one community champion to jumpstart the process. Maybe your community has funding, but needs an extra set of hands to create a program, execute a project or carry out a special event. Or you need help raising funds or applying for a grant for a project or activity. I am happy to assist with a range of services including prioritizing ideas and identifying first steps. Some communities should start by tooting their own horn louder and more frequently, particularly online to show assets, unique features, opportunities and progress. Maybe your town has a vital business for sale or pending closure because of a retirement. This could be a a restaurant, grocery store, plumbing contractor or vet clinic. Is your town making this opportunity or possible loss known? Are you sharing benefits of being a part of the community? Do you know the types of assistance available? Have you considered tailoring local incentives to attract a new operator? Can people unfamiliar with your community find business services, things to do and places to go? I welcome a chance to meet with community go-getters in towns of any size to hear ideas and explore possible actions to make a difference. For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs on this website and via social media on Facebook and LinkedIn. |
About EllenEllen Huber is a country girl passionate about nurturing communities. She gets things done and welcomes opportunities to assist enthusiastic, committed community and business leaders in reaching their goals. Archives
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