A strong town needs strong local businesses. Local businesses provide jobs and opportunities for wealth creation. They can become a draw, encouraging visitors from outside your community, as well as a way for community members to support each other by buying local. Only with a thriving locally-based economy—one that isn’t owned or propped up by someone six states away—can we succeed in creating sustainable jobs and lasting economic prosperity.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IN ENCOURAGING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

1. Provide easy access to small business loans and/or grants.

Banks, community development corporations (CDCs) and other community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are all in a position to offer loans to small businesses that are starting out. Other organizations in your community may also be able to offer grants to new businesses. Create these opportunities and help businesses easily connect with them.

2. Offer business development classes at local colleges and community education programs.

Whether it’s a full-fledged, credited class that goes in depth on how to set up a business, or just a short workshop with tips on online marketing, local education opportunities can play a helpful role in encouraging successful business growth. One-on-one business counseling can also be a beneficial option for entrepreneurs to utilize.

3. Host a small business day.

Designate a Saturday (summer and fall are great times for this) to encourage patronage of local businesses. This could include outdoor music, food stands, and other fun activities, or it could simply be a day when you invite people to check out their local businesses. Some businesses may choose to offer special discounts or refreshments on this day. Make sure to advertise the event around your town.

4. Get organized.

Create a small business guide on your town’s website listing local businesses, days/time they are open, and descriptions of their services. This is a great way to promote existing businesses to your town, as well as attract customers who may be visiting your community. Another way to get organized is to develop a small business association or chamber of commerce to help local businesses work together and promote their interests.

5. Get Social.

Programs such as One Million Cups , Business After Hours ( here’s an example ) and Start-up Drinks ( here’s an example ) are great ways to help entrepreneurs network, share and be inspired by one another.

Pick one of these 9 steps – big or small – and get started growing the small business community in your town.

This article was originally published by Rachel Quednau on Strong Towns, https://www.strongtowns.org .

Rachel Quednau serves as Communications Specialist for Strong Towns and has been a regular contributor and podcast host for Strong Towns since 2015. Rachel is a Midwesterner currently living in Milwaukee, WI. Previously, she worked for several organizations fighting to end homelessness at the federal and local levels. She draws from her experiences living in New York City, Washington, DC, Walla Walla, WA and Minneapolis, MN to help her build better places wherever she is. You can find her musings on Twitter @rquednau. One of her favorite ways to get to know a new city is by going for a run in it.

The mission of Strong Towns is to support a model of development that allows America’s cities, towns and neighborhoods to become financially strong and resilient.</i>