Empty buildings in small towns are often empty for a reason, and that reason is often that they need work before any business could use them. Remodeling costs can be astonishingly expensive, so people often ask where they can find grants, loans or other funds to help them. Here are some of my favorite “usual […]
Expensive code compliance doesn’t have to ruin your small town
Many small towns face an incredibly expensive hurdle to saving and using their downtown buildings: code compliance costs. Most municipalities have adopted one of the standard international building codes. Which are, well, standard. And no matter who does the inspections or enforcement, everyone thinks their compliance person is over-zealous. I can relate. One smart move […]
27 Strategies for Raising Small Business Capital
How many different ways can you think of to raise money for your small town business? Bank loans, of course, but then where? Maury Forman with the Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness has put together 27 different strategies for raising capital in an ebook called Startup Widsom. Good news: […]
2 online resources for starting your business
Everyone faces challenges when thinking about going into business. Being based in a rural area adds some special challenges. You may not have immediate access to anyone who can sit down with you in person. You can’t just drop in on a small business support center, because there probably isn’t one for 50 miles […]
