If Small Towns Want Growth, They Must Make It Easier for Small Businesses to Succeed
Across small towns everywhere, you’ll hear the same goals repeated: revitalization, economic growth, attracting visitors, and supporting local businesses. Yet too often, the very people trying to help make those goals a reality run into confusing processes, unclear requirements, and unnecessary barriers.
If towns truly want to thrive, they must do more than say they support small businesses—they must make it easier for them to operate, collaborate, and grow.
Growth Should Be Encouraged, Not Discouraged
Small business owners, makers, creatives, and community organizers are often the ones doing the heavy lifting when it comes to revitalization. They invest their own time, money, and energy to bring life back into communities—hosting events, promoting local talent, and creating opportunities where few exist.
When those efforts are met with complicated procedures, unclear zoning language, or a lack of guidance, it can unintentionally discourage the very progress towns say they want.
Supporting growth doesn’t mean removing rules—it means making the rules understandable and navigable.
The Need for a Clear, Public Guide
One of the most impactful steps a town can take is to create a simple, public-facing guide that explains:
What types of events or business activities are allowed
When permits are required (Temporary Use, Special Event, Conditional Use, etc.)
Step-by-step instructions for applying
Expected timelines for approval
Who to contact with questions
What compliance looks like (insurance, parking, noise, signage, etc.)
A clear guide removes uncertainty, saves staff time, and empowers residents to move forward confidently—without fear of doing something wrong.
Tip: Create a guide and add it to your town website!
Why a Seamless Process Matters
A seamless experience isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic.
When processes are clear and accessible:
More residents are willing to invest locally
Fewer projects stall due to confusion or frustration
Town staff spend less time answering repetitive questions
Collaboration increases between the town and its residents
Most importantly, it sends a clear message: “We want you here. We want your ideas.”
Regulations Can Exist Without Becoming Roadblocks
Rules and regulations are necessary. They protect neighborhoods, ensure safety, and maintain order. But when those rules aren’t paired with education and guidance, they can become unintentional roadblocks.
The goal should always be compliance with support, not compliance through confusion.
When towns offer clear pathways instead of barriers, they encourage responsible growth that benefits everyone.
Community Growth Starts with Accessibility
Towns that need revitalization don’t need more red tape—they need activation, creativity, and collaboration. By making it easier for people to highlight local businesses, host community events, and bring visitors into town, municipalities can spark momentum that leads to lasting change.
Economic development doesn’t always start with large corporations or major developments. Often, it starts with small ideas, local people, and the willingness of a town to say, “Let’s help you make this happen.”
When communities invest in clarity, communication, and accessibility, they invest in their own future.