by Keith Kjelstrom, NM MainStreet Program Associate
New Mexico MainStreet programs are building better websites by adding or enhancing business development (BD) features. Surf the web to find lots of great examples. For a comprehensive BD page with links to businesses, business climate, real estate, business resources, incentives, infrastructure and development plans, check out downtown San Diego’s “Doing Business Downtown.”
Downtown Austin Alliance does a good job offering demographics and other market information at, http://www.downtownaustin.com/business/. Also, check out its “Starting a Business Downtown” page for a comprehensive vacancy listing and other important information for businesses looking to locate in downtown Austin.
Tell business prospects what types of businesses you are prioritizing in your recruitment efforts. North Park (San Diego) Main Street’s EP Committee posts its strategy for targeting new businesses and lists the types and examples of desired recruits. Visit: http://northparkmainstreet.com/business-resources/ and click on “North Park Main Street Targeted Businesses.” While you’re at North Park’s site, take a look at its excellent profile of facade grants, loan programs and tax credits by clicking on “Small Business Financial Assistance Programs” on their Business Resources page.
Entrepreneurs look online first when considering your district, so you need to list business locations available for sale or rent. Berkeley business districts partner with the City to market retail, office and industrial space citywide. Once you see their impressive database, you’ll be inspired to at least start by listing your top three to five vacancies.
A great way to show that you offer a solid investment environment is to show your civic investment record. Nobody does that better than Artesia MainStreet. If its “Accomplishments” don’t convince prospects, Artesia’s “Work in Progress” sure will.
Successful businesses attract more successful businesses. Dependable and compelling business directories are a must for serving customers, but they also are an important ingredient in business attraction. Downtown Seattle’s on-line directory guides us to lots of great places to eat, shop, stay and play. Visit http://downtownseattle.com/ThingsToDo/. Why not profile your businesses to celebrate the diversity of interesting ventures? Downtown Rochester, Michigan, tells us a little about its newest entrepreneurs at http://www.downtownrochestermi.com/business-directory/new-neighbors/.
Finally, link to MainStreet’s BD partners. Albuquerque’s Downtown Action Team has a model partner links page at http://downtownabq.com/do-business/economic-development/.