Business Retention and Expansion Resources

Most firms and agencies that focus on developing economic growth and prosperity -- in Sacramento and elsewhere -- speak of "BRE", Business Retention and Expansion. Economic evidence shows that entrepreneur development and support -- especially of companies in a community with less than 20 employees contributes up to 85% of the economic growth of a community -- with tax base, sales tax and increased spending from job earning -- and also support much of the overall employment. Even though large companies employ more individuals, there are fewer of them so smaller businesses are really the workhorse of area employment. Of course, in Sacramento we also have a strong government sector.

We also know that retaining businesses that already live here, and taking the time and energy to grow them, contributes more bang for the buck than trying to lure new business into our area. This is especially true in California where costs to do business are high. Here, it's pretty hard to talk someone from Montana into paying rents, buying property, or paying Workers' Comp. fees here instead o f in their home state.

So BRE it is, where those charge with the economic prosperity of our region spend their time. Regional Economic Developers from the City of Sac., Sac. County, City of Folsom, City of Roseville, City of West Sacramento, El Dorado County, Placer County, Los Rios Community Colleges ,SMUD and SETA have partnered together to discover what our area businesses need to thrive. (MetroPulse)The plan is to gather information from many sectors of the business community and find out how to put businesses in touch with resources that can support them. Resources such as specific training for a company, subsidised by the state to increase worker performance; matched dollars to spiff up the front of your building, financing for your business expansion through Economic Development Corporation lending opportunities -- and lots of other things we don't even know businesses need - yet!

So, if an economic development professional contacts your business, tell them what's holding you back from growing and making new jobs for our friends, partners and children. You'll be surprised what's out there to support growth, once you find the person(s) that can help you navigate the "system".

Please post any successes or frustrations you've had with getting support for your business in the Sacramento region.


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