2014 Local & Small Business Conference Goals
The Local & Small Business Conference was held on October 7 with more than 70 in attendance representing 11 business organizations. The attending business owners brainstormed and selected five goals for the City of Austin to be accomplished in the coming year.
A Leadership Circle comprised of one business owner from each participating organization is currently being formed to oversee the achievement of these goals for the next year. In 2015, we will report on our success. You can watch our progress on www.ibuyaustin.com throughout the year as we work to achieve these goals.
2014 Local & Small Business Conference Goals
1. Affordable Property Ownership for Local Businesses
Local and small business will not fully attain sustainability without owning the space we occupy. Create new options for affordable ownership of space for local and small business that reflects local character.
2. Job Creation and Employees
Local and small businesses are collectively a powerhouse of job growth. Help realize this potential by supporting job growth programs for local and small businesses including a citywide minimum wage increase.
3. Communication of City Resources
The City of Austin offers many programs for local and small buisness but doesn't always do a good job of marketing these services. Increase communication to local and small businesses. Find ways to reach out to local and small businesses and expand programs where needed.
4. Co-op Purchasing
Many local and small business owners want to purchase environmentally friendly and sustainavle products but the cost is often too high for a small business. The City of Austin should create a co-op purchasing program by purchasing commonly used business products in buld and making them available to local and small businesses at discounted rates. Explore including health insurance as well.
5. Sustainability Programs
Austin's local and small business community is healthy but how do we keep it thriving amid an influx of chain stores and big boxes?
In addition we will continue with these goals from 2013. We are making progress but these goals are not yet attained.
Improve approach and implementation of code enforcement
In addition we will continue with these goals from 2013. We are making progress but these goals are not yet attained.
Hire a Local Business Director
Improve the process in the permitting department
A special thank you to our partner SBP, our sponsor Austin Energy and to all the businesses and organizations that gave their time and energy to making the conference so successful. The Local & Small Business Conference is a program of AIBA and the Local Economies Council.
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Engage. Identify. Prioritize. Achieve. Measure.
