Jobs and local business
Realistic ways to support entrepreneurs, attract employers, and choose projects that fit.
Before you rely on thisThese are older articles and answers, and laws and programs change and vary by place. For current rules, check with your state economic development agency.
Start with these
Guide
Build Economic Development on Realities, Not Myths
If you are serious about local economic development, avoid pie-in-the-sky activities that don't attract money to the community, and learn what works instead.Guide
Entrepreneurship Support Promotes Job Creation
Communities should cultivate entrepreneurship support to help start-ups as a major economic development strategy. Locally grown businesses are likely to stay.Guide
Economic Development Incubator Helps Start-Ups
An economic development incubator provides local entrepreneurs with support, business advice, and shared facility economies. The goal is job creation.Guide
Working Smart on Business Attraction for Your Community
Communities may be too passive about business attraction. We outline the best straightforward but demanding steps to take to recruit a particular business.Visitor question
How to Select an Economic Development Project
Visitor Asks: What are the secrets to figuring out a good economic development project for my city? We need the jobs and shopping. Editors Reply You'reGuide
Understanding the Economic Base for Your Community
Attract and support the economic base businesses that bring new money into your community. Learn to distinguish those from local consumption businesses.
Ready to do something about it?
Turn this into a clear plan.
Mission Maps helps you get clear on the need, mission, outcomes, program, and funding direction.
Original guidance from A Good Community: How to Make and Keep It, owned and edited by Nancy Thompson (formerly Useful Community Development), shared with permission. Community Compass notes and updates are our own and have not been reviewed by Nancy Thompson.