Although there is no one specific strategy that all communities must follow to create an entrepreneur-friendly environment, there are a number of sequential steps that a community can take to support local entrepreneurial activity.
The first step is to get organized and form a working group. This working group should include a few "champions" who can provide vision and leadership to the effort.
The second step is assessing the current climate for business innovation and development. This could entail a comprehensive information-gathering process (including demographic and business data) and asset mapping. Careful and thorough information gathering will help your community set priorities in the next step.
The third step in the process is strategic planning. Most communities will need assistance with the strategic planning process. The Cooperative Extension Service is a good source of assistance in most states.
Once an action-oriented plan is created, your community must take the fourth step and begin implementing this plan. Breaking your community's strategic plan into small, do-able pieces will increase the likelihood that you will succeed in implementing your plan.
The fifth step is evaluation, the process of measuring your results. Evaluation is a powerful tool. It will help your community know what they have done well and what they need to do better.
The sixth and final step in this process is to tell your story. Telling your story will increase your community's awareness of the importance of creating a small-business-friendly environment as well as helping other communities who might be able to learn from your experiences.
A good source of information about community-based entrepreneurship can be found at www.cpac.missouri.edu/REI/REIGuidebook_Cover1.pdf.
