Local Policy: The Soil for Growing Small Businesses in Your Community

Local policy can have a tremendous impact on the germination and growth of small businesses in your community. As a community localist, helping your elected officials and municipal employees understand the impact they, and the policies they put in place, can either foster start-ups and growth or limit and even deter small business growth is an essential. Whether you’re a business owner, an economic developer, or a resident with a desire to have a strong resilient economy, there are at least four reasons you should take the time and effort to engage with your local policy makers.

1) The playing field for small business isn’t level. Big companies frequently see advantages and incentives that small businesses never see.

2) Your voice is more powerful than you realize. You can make that difference!

3) Small business needs can fall off the municipal radar, quickly! Keep your business and your community business needs at the top of your community’s priorities.

4) Small businesses are the backbone of your community’s authenticity! Don’t lose your identity to big box, chain or online conglomerates. Speak up and speak out.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has created a comprehensive toolkit for businesses and localists to inform and influence the development of public policy for moving your community into a resilient and self-reliant community. For more ideas, you can find this great resource here.