Skip to main content

AgendaQuick™

View Agenda Item

Back to View Meetings Back to Agenda
Previous Item Next Item
5.1.
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
Meeting Date:
03/03/2016
Submitted For:
Patrick Brama
By:
Patrick Brama, Administrative Services

Title:

Open-to-Business Program Update

Purpose/Background:

Open-to-Business Program Update

Notification:

Observations/Alternatives:

January 1 – December 31st, 2015
 
Number of Clients Served  - 18
 
  • Inquiries - 4
  • Start-up Business - 6
  • Existing Business - 8
 
Industry Segment
  • Retail - 0
  • Service – 12
  • Manufacturing – 1
  • Food Manufacturing/Food Grower – 3
  • Construction - 2
  • Technology - 0
  • Undecided - 0
 
Types of Businesses
  • Video Production Services
  • Commercial Realty
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Dance Studio
  • Fitness Center
  • Construction/Specialty Concrete
  • Accounting/Investment Firm
  • Appliance Repair
  • < >Assisted Living Center
  • Printing Services
  • Engineering/Manufacturing Electronics
  • Electric Guitar Repair Services
  • < >Automotive Repair/Maintenance
  • Hops Farm          
 
 
Referral Source – Municipality (Website, Newsletter, City Staff)  (Generally, notices in City Newsletters and Utility Bill Inserts have provided the most referrals/calls.)
 
Examples of Technical Assistance Provided
  • Marketing – brainstorm ways to increase sales and business exposure, look at offering other services, increase presence on line and social media avenues.
  • Professional Referrals (Accountants, Bookkeepers, Legal/Law, Insurance, Banks)
  • Strategic Planning
  • General Business Planning for Start-ups (I send lots of information/resources to startups.)
  • Financial Loan Assistance/Qualification Review
  • Review of Financial Reports/Analysis of Financial Health of Business
  • Human Resources/Employment/Job Description
 
Comments/Notes:
 
  1. Anoka County continues to pay for the Open To Business program through 2016, so there is no cost to the cities this coming year.  I only ask that the cities continue to advertise on a regular basis. The word is getting out but only if we keep communication ongoing; city newsletters and utility bill inserts provide the best advertising coverage.
 
  1. Below are options for advertising; some cities use multiple avenues and rotate different types each quarter:
 
  • city reader boards – a short message the day I’m at the city, or message prior to my arrival
  • hand out brochure/note with home occupation permits
  • city inspectors could handout my card/brochure - if large expenses are uncovered to repair commercial buildings and/or bring up to code, we might be able to provide a loan
  • utility bill inserts – short message insert or note on bills
  • cable TV spots
  • letters/notices mailed to all businesses in city
  • city websites – info under business resource section
  • city business events – I can provide info or attend
  • city newsletters – a small piece in every newsletter works great

Funding Source:

Recommendation:

Action:

Attachments

No file(s) attached.

Form Review

Inbox Reviewed By Date
Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 02/11/2016 04:26 PM
Form Started By:
Patrick Brama
Started On:
02/10/2016 08:57 AM
Final Approval Date:
02/11/2016