Reaching Out to Business Owners

Government plays a significant role in creating an environment conducive to attracting new businesses, growing existing businesses, and creating jobs. Supporting Business Growth, Growing Entrepreneurship, and Strengthening Quality of Place are among the 11 interrelated, broad-based economic development strategies for our region. SEMCOG members who attended a SEMCOG University workshop this summer discussed ways their communities have been working with entrepreneurs to promote innovation, collaboration, community, and new opportunities.

“The coLABorative”

One case study presented at this workshop highlighted the progression from plan to results in the City of Mount Clemens. In an update of its 2010 Master Plan, Mount Clemens prioritized several key initiatives which add value to small business owners – economic development and marketing; redevelopment; downtown plan; and implementation.

Entrepreneur Jimmy Gwizdala, Owner and President of Hunch Free and Founder of “The coLABorative” discussed what attracted him to relocating his business to Downtown Mount Clemens. In addition to its affordability, Mount Clemens’ assets include cultural amenities such as its waterfront, entertainment district, and bars – things that young people want. Gwizdala has encouraged local officials to reach out to small business owners, suggesting that many may not know how to begin a conversation with local governments. It is important for government leaders to foster an environment that entices businesses to invest in a community.

The array of strategies discussed at our SEMCOG University workshop helped participants understand the range of services that local governments can provide to entrepreneurs to encourage new investment. Just as important, they helped generate conversation and exchange of ideas on this important topic, critical components to further innovation.