Page 83 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future
P. 83
many residents may not be aware of where the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
County begins and ends, even if they are trying
to support County businesses. Businesses within PARTNERS AND TOOLS
the County could have an identifying “buy local”
sticker for easy display on doors or windows. The Pottawatomie County Economic Development
Corporation currently provides a host of business
• Pursue neighborhood supporting retail and assistance tools to businesses within the County,
other retail components as indicated by Green including:
Valley Area Retail survey commissioned by the
PCEDC. Address impediments to successful Revolving Loan Fund
retail development, including mobility and In 2018, Pottawatomie County
access limitations.
was designated as a Level 1
› Ensure that underlying zoning allows for Network Kansas Entrepreneurship
neighborhood supporting retail. Community. The revolving loan
› Conduct additional retail studies in key fund assists with business start-ups and expansions
locations throughout the County to and has approximately $250,000 in available funds.
determine the market for additional retail. In 2016 there were 322 small business loans in the
County. PCEDC also has $200,000 in StartUp Kansas
• Utilize psychographics to understand the funds available, which provides gap financing to help
Pottawatomie County market. Understanding entrepreneurs start or grow a business.
the market can help to tailor strategies to the
different segments of the population that live Small Business Development Center
in the County and their different buying and
PCEDC cost-shares the services available through the
spending habits. Pottawatomie County’s full
Washburn University Small Business Development
psychographic profile may be found in
Center. Services may include developing business
Appendix B.
plans, market projections, and linking to national
networks and financial resources.
Economic Gardening
Focuses on strengthening existing businesses,
economic gardening services may include data-
mining, use of geographic information systems, or
developing connections. PCEDC is the local partner
with Network Kansas
Network Kansas also offers programs such as the
Kansas Ice House Entrepreneurship Program where
entrepreneurs attend an eight week certificate
program to develop entrepreneurial skills and
Destination Bootcamp a two-and-a-half day off-site
in-depth training.
76 | Plan Pottawatomie County 2040 Adopted - August 19, 2019
PLAN POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY 2040
