Taking stock of the community's resources to support entrepreneurship growth and development is a critical element to creating a proactive environment for business development. Local Economic Development Organizations can take proactive approach to assisting existing and prospective business owners through permitting process, funding opportunities, and regional business resources. Creating a guide that covers the basics, from finding a location to outlining the permit process can be an valuable resource for new businesses. A quick list of resources within a community including Chamber of Commerce and other agencies, connect businesses to organizations that want to help them succeed.
Copies of the publication are being made available through local banks, Chamber of Commerce, Library, and local economic development organization.
This publication can serve as a great model for other communities looking for ways to be proactive in creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship. Canton's Business Toolkit is available online. Additional examples of community practices can be found Building Entrepreneurial Communities website.