Small Business.
"We recognize that government regulation can be a major impediment to productivity and to competition. We must rely more on market forces and less on government. Regulatory power now exercised by the federal government must be eliminated or returned to state and local governments." - Republican Party Platform
For the past two years, the reaction to the Covid outbreak has devastated our small businesses here in Weber County. Now that most of the carnage is behind us, it is time to focus on creating an environment for small business to thrive.
Thriving small businesses create thriving communities. When they succeed, there are more high-paying jobs. Citizens, in turn, can afford to shop locally. Neighborhoods and schools get better. Quality of life improves across the board. This attracts more people to move into the community… and more small businesses to invest in it. It’s a virtuous cycle. When small business wins, communities win.
Small businesses are important to Weber County because,
Small business owners have a vested interest in the community doing well.
They live here. Their kids go to school here. They care about what happens here.
They provide tremendous tax revenue.
Taxes will never go away. All taxes are paid by the people not by businesses. It’s better if these taxes can be generated by delivering more quality products and service to the community.
They provide jobs.
And they’re meaningful jobs, too. We tend to feel better about our work when we have close connections with our bosses and coworkers and can play an integral role in a company’s future, both of which are more likely in a small business.
They keep money in the community.
When citizens buy from a small business, their money goes to pay for a local employee, who goes on to spend his or her money locally too. It’s a chain reaction that serves the entire community.
They support local charities.
Sometimes small business owners are philanthropists who financially support nonprofits that directly benefit local citizens. Other times they’re caring citizens who coach Little League teams or encourage employees to volunteer at the animal shelter. Either way, the owners of local businesses are more likely to be invested in the community and motivated to give their time and resources to make it better.
They reflect and amplify the culture of the community.
Locally owned restaurants are a perfect example. They don’t have to buy food from a preset menu and prepare it in a standardized way. They’re free to feature regional dishes and source foods locally. Their independence lets them quickly respond to the changing needs of their neighborhoods. This all contributes to a strong sense of place.
Small business owners are smart, entrepreneurial, influential people who can help you solve problems and drive change. They have been called “tribal leaders.” They may not have formal positions in government, but they are seen as people who can get things done. They may already sit on boards and give their time, energy, and money to civic and nonprofit organizations. When seeking to revitalize a community, we would do well to make them part of our team.
So, what do small businesses need to thrive?
A friendly regulatory environment. Small businesses need easy-to-understand codes from local government, as well as a solid understanding of why such regulations are in place. Too often (accurately or not) entrepreneurs and small business owners perceive that local governments put up hurdles for them to jump over.
A strong entrepreneurial support system. Small business owners need support and collegiality. Communities need to start and promote clubs and groups that allow them to connect with other entrepreneurs. A community of support, whether formal or informal, makes a world of difference for small businesses.
A culture of community support. Putting their time and capital at risk...entrepreneurs need to feel that the community is invested in their well-being. Once leaders start this conversation, the community will respond.
Access to good employees/talent pool. Weber County should be a place where people want to live. Safe neighborhoods, a strong education system, a vibrant downtown, and other amenities that add up to a good quality of life are a must. Research shows that jobs and education are the two areas key to quality of life.
Strong mentors in the community to help entrepreneurs navigate what they don’t know. Not only does this keep them from making costly mistakes, but it also helps them feel supported, so they don’t mind taking the risks necessary for growth.
Orchestrated growth around them. Growth begets more growth. When companies, non-profits, and other organizations are thriving, new ventures are more likely to take off and thrive themselves. And that growth needs to be strategic and thoughtful. If you’re a small business owner, what’s to the left of you, the right of you, and across the street really matters.
A safe, clean environment in which to operate. Attractive urban and suburban spaces and low crime rates are good for business. If you’re in an unsafe area, it won’t matter how good your product or service is. Customers won’t come.
Access to capital. Bank loans, government grants and other forms of assistance can go a long way toward helping small businesses invest in their future. And sometimes mentors can help connect them to silent partners for funding.
Access to leadership and business training. Around half of all businesses fail in the first five years. Therefore, it’s important that entrepreneurs learn the basics of leadership and sound business practices like strategic planning, marketing, effective hiring and time management.
A commitment to promoting innovation and startups. Local governments tend to court big business and big industry, usually at the expense of new ventures and mom & pop shops. This trend needs to shift. Cities need to invest in their small shops, restaurants, and small- and mid-size businesses and make decisions that benefit them just as much as (if not more than) the big box retailers and manufacturing giants.
It's a well-established fact that government can either help or hinder business. On one hand, it may over tax or overregulate. On the other, it can create an environment in which businesses flourish. Because American business is central to a strong economic system, states and counties that create a business-friendly environment will likely experience a positive economic impact which will spill over into the lives of its citizens.
Small businesses are important to Weber County because,
Small business owners have a vested interest in the community doing well.
They live here. Their kids go to school here. They care about what happens here.
They provide tremendous tax revenue.
Taxes will never go away. All taxes are paid by the people not by businesses. It’s better if these taxes can be generated by delivering more quality products and service to the community.
They provide jobs.
And they’re meaningful jobs, too. We tend to feel better about our work when we have close connections with our bosses and coworkers and can play an integral role in a company’s future, both of which are more likely in a small business.
They keep money in the community.
When citizens buy from a small business, their money goes to pay for a local employee, who goes on to spend his or her money locally too. It’s a chain reaction that serves the entire community.
They support local charities.
Sometimes small business owners are philanthropists who financially support nonprofits that directly benefit local citizens. Other times they’re caring citizens who coach Little League teams or encourage employees to volunteer at the animal shelter. Either way, the owners of local businesses are more likely to be invested in the community and motivated to give their time and resources to make it better.
They reflect and amplify the culture of the community.
Locally owned restaurants are a perfect example. They don’t have to buy food from a preset menu and prepare it in a standardized way. They’re free to feature regional dishes and source foods locally. Their independence lets them quickly respond to the changing needs of their neighborhoods. This all contributes to a strong sense of place.
Small business owners are smart, entrepreneurial, influential people who can help you solve problems and drive change. They have been called “tribal leaders.” They may not have formal positions in government, but they are seen as people who can get things done. They may already sit on boards and give their time, energy, and money to civic and nonprofit organizations. When seeking to revitalize a community, we would do well to make them part of our team.
So, what do small businesses need to thrive?
A friendly regulatory environment. Small businesses need easy-to-understand codes from local government, as well as a solid understanding of why such regulations are in place. Too often (accurately or not) entrepreneurs and small business owners perceive that local governments put up hurdles for them to jump over.
A strong entrepreneurial support system. Small business owners need support and collegiality. Communities need to start and promote clubs and groups that allow them to connect with other entrepreneurs. A community of support, whether formal or informal, makes a world of difference for small businesses.
A culture of community support. Putting their time and capital at risk...entrepreneurs need to feel that the community is invested in their well-being. Once leaders start this conversation, the community will respond.
Access to good employees/talent pool. Weber County should be a place where people want to live. Safe neighborhoods, a strong education system, a vibrant downtown, and other amenities that add up to a good quality of life are a must. Research shows that jobs and education are the two areas key to quality of life.
Strong mentors in the community to help entrepreneurs navigate what they don’t know. Not only does this keep them from making costly mistakes, but it also helps them feel supported, so they don’t mind taking the risks necessary for growth.
Orchestrated growth around them. Growth begets more growth. When companies, non-profits, and other organizations are thriving, new ventures are more likely to take off and thrive themselves. And that growth needs to be strategic and thoughtful. If you’re a small business owner, what’s to the left of you, the right of you, and across the street really matters.
A safe, clean environment in which to operate. Attractive urban and suburban spaces and low crime rates are good for business. If you’re in an unsafe area, it won’t matter how good your product or service is. Customers won’t come.
Access to capital. Bank loans, government grants and other forms of assistance can go a long way toward helping small businesses invest in their future. And sometimes mentors can help connect them to silent partners for funding.
Access to leadership and business training. Around half of all businesses fail in the first five years. Therefore, it’s important that entrepreneurs learn the basics of leadership and sound business practices like strategic planning, marketing, effective hiring and time management.
A commitment to promoting innovation and startups. Local governments tend to court big business and big industry, usually at the expense of new ventures and mom & pop shops. This trend needs to shift. Cities need to invest in their small shops, restaurants, and small- and mid-size businesses and make decisions that benefit them just as much as (if not more than) the big box retailers and manufacturing giants.
It's a well-established fact that government can either help or hinder business. On one hand, it may over tax or overregulate. On the other, it can create an environment in which businesses flourish. Because American business is central to a strong economic system, states and counties that create a business-friendly environment will likely experience a positive economic impact which will spill over into the lives of its citizens.
