More Cities Courting New Small Businesses

Some cash strapped U.S. cities are focusing on small businesses to create jobs, rebuild tax revenue, and jump-start suffering business districts. These small-firm initiatives make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners to re-locate or launch a start-up business, and they reflect a growing compeition between many local governments to attract new business.

Simplifying the Startup Process 

Boston, for example, launched a new online portal called Boston Business Hub that's designed to guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the process of permits and licensing. The site leads aspiring business owners through the steps needed to set up shop in Boston, and it can also connect users with a city employee from a specific department or neighborhood to walk them through the approvals process.

Boston has a lot of company in its efforts to simplify the start-up process. More than 200,000 small businesses have contacted Houston’s award-winning website for small business known as the One Stop Business Center.  The site offers a variety of free services and programs to help small businesses launch in or relocate to Houston. In addition to assistance with permits and certifications, the business portal offers webinars and continuing education opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

One of the biggest sites to streamline small business permits and licensing also offers extensive education and low cost or free courses for small business owners. New York’s site was launched in 2005 and offers online assistance in addition to seven NYC Business Solutions Centers throughout the Big Apple’s five boroughs.  Free services include legal and financing assistance, help with tax credits and permits, along with training and help navigating regulations and government red tape.   There is also a small business hotline.

Callers in New York City can even dial 311 and ask for NYC Business Solutions to be connected with a small business specialist.

Local Resources for Entrepreneurs

Several other cities are reaching out to aspiring entrepreneurs by creating similar websites including San Jose, California and Charlotte, North Carolina.  If your city does not have a website or central office to provide business information here are a few key places to check for the permits and regulations impacting small businesses: 

• City and county clerks' offices 
• Building and safety departments 
• Health department 
• Planning and zoning departments 
• Tax assessor office or treasurer 
• Fire department 
• Police department 
• Public works department

These resource-rich sites can give you business a leg-up so make sure you see what's available when you start you new business endeavor.