11/26/2008
Salt Lake City on Thursday unveiled its latest initiative to assist small businesses in the flagging economy, pointing to a revamped Web presence that outlines everything from how to jump through permit hoops to scoring loan money.
"If you're not a regular customer of the city, some things might not be apparent," explained Bob Farrington, director of economic development. "We're trying to make it easier for small businesses to navigate city bureaucracy."
Part of that means making the city Web site an educational guide. Under "small-business initiative" at slcgov.com users can learn about permitting, licensing and financing. Business owners also will find $3 million of the $5 million revolving loan fund remains available. The guide also points to the 40 independent small-business organizations that can help wannabe entrepreneurs write a business plan, join business networks and secure loans. Most of the services are free.
Farrington pointed to a survey of capital businesses that revealed a majority of owners expect Salt Lake City to fare better than the nation during the downturn. A majority also expects the city's economy to rebound in less than a year.
Still, given the drumbeat of economic despair, Farrington says the mood remains mixed, if hopeful.
"I wouldn't characterize it as a doom-and-gloom scenario. Some [businesses] are even expanding. And if they're not constricting, they're holding their own," he said.
Source: http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_11035374