by Calvin W. Goings, SBA Regional Administrator, and Kirby Lindsay Laney
posted 21 July 2015
The Fremont business district has a track record as an incubator for small, independent businesses – many start here, and many grow larger. The Fremont Sunday Market has, for nearly 25 years now, given entrepreneurs a fertile – and popular – place in which to set up ‘shop’ and meet their public. The Fremont Chamber of Commerce supports all businesses by promoting the area as a destination for those looking for something a little fun, and funky, and out-of-the-ordinary, which is what small businesses do best.
Still, for those with a dream, starting a business can be overwhelming. Most people think it is something only other, special people can do. That isn’t true, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers help to anyone with an idea, and vision, and the will to make it a reality.
A National Call To Help Entrepreneurs
Setting up a legal structure, finding office space, and applying for licenses and permits, all before opening your doors to customers, can seem daunting. The SBA wants to take the tediousness, and time-drain, out of the process of opening your own small business, and that is why they are proud to join the White House in announcing the launch of the ‘Startup In A Day’ initiative, in alliance with the National League of Cities.
In July, the SBA called on local leaders, at city halls across the country, to make a powerful pledge to streamline and consolidate all of the processes required to start a business into one easy-to-use online tool. The goal is to enable America’s entrepreneurs to be able to apply for all city, county, state and federal licenses and permits needed to start a business in 24 hours or less.
Success in this endeavor will enable entrepreneurs to spend their valuable time developing their products, finding new customers and growing their enterprises – rather than wading through red tape. Success could result in a sharp increase in the number of creative businesses that fill Fremont’s business district – including yours!
Eleven pioneering cities, including Seattle, have already taken the ‘Startup In A Day’ pledge and are working to consolidate local licensing and permitting requirements for their entrepreneurs. The SBA is encouraging more cities, large and small, as well as Native American communities, to join this movement and take the pledge, with significant prize money available to one or two municipalities that create or implement ‘Startup In A Day’ online tools.
The Engines Of Our Economy
Small businesses are the engines of the U.S. economy. They create two out of every three net, new jobs and employ more than half of the country’s private-sector workforce. The introduce new products to the market, and flex and adapt better than large businesses to market changes.
When municipalities make it easier for new businesses to get started, they ultimately make it easier for small businesses to grow and hire. The Fremont community revitalized, in the 1980s, due in large part to the contributions of small, owner-operated businesses able to participate in grassroots promotions and community-based initiatives. New businesses bring new ideas, and could contribute new energy to our community, and grassroots activism here.
Please join the SBA in encouraging cities to join the ‘Startup In A Day’ movement, and eliminate barriers to small business job creation. Together with local jurisdictions, we can make the process of starting a business faster and easier.
Also, help spread the word to all the dreamers and doers you know – the SBA offers educational programs and substantive assistance to entrepreneurs looking for help with their small business. For more information, visit the SBA ‘Startup In A Day’ website, or contact the ‘Startup In A Day’ team at startup@sba.gov
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©2015 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.