York County’s Economic Development Committee convened on September 25, 2024, to discuss a range of initiatives focused on supporting small businesses and developing strategic partnerships across the region. The meeting, led by Councilmembers Watts Huckabee and Alison Love, highlighted collaborative efforts to strengthen local small businesses and addressed broader economic development priorities.
Key Discussions: Small Business Resource Guide and Support
One of the central points of the meeting was the creation of a Small Business Resource Guide, an online tool aimed at assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses in navigating the processes of starting and growing their operations in York County. The guide is being developed in partnership with local chambers of commerce, Rock Hill Economic Development Corporation (RHEDC), and other regional entities.
Mitch, the interim economic development lead, emphasized that the guide would provide critical information, such as business planning resources, permitting requirements, and real estate opportunities. Dean and Jason, representatives from the chamber, shared their experience facilitating a similar guide in North Carolina, which York County plans to replicate.
The guide will be digital but may also be available in print at key locations like the Chamber of Commerce and county offices. Interns from local colleges, including Winthrop University and Clinton College, are expected to contribute to its development, with a goal of completing a draft by the end of the year.
Broader Small Business Initiatives
The meeting also addressed other initiatives, including:
- Procurement Opportunities: Connecting local small businesses with government procurement opportunities to foster growth and partnerships within the public sector.
- Training Programs: Customer service training, particularly for the hospitality sector, was discussed as a key area of focus. Dean suggested that customer service is a common pain point for small businesses, often reflected in negative reviews. A possible collaboration with York County’s tourism department could facilitate large-scale training initiatives similar to successful models implemented in North Carolina.
- Incentive Programs: The committee discussed potential incentive programs, such as a façade grant program for downtown York businesses, and whether they would be impactful in reducing vacancy rates in key areas.
Focus on Business Growth
During the meeting, Councilman Huckabee and other members discussed the importance of targeting established businesses looking to scale. They noted that while the failure rate for startups is high, helping existing businesses grow would generate more jobs and tax revenue, which aligns with the county’s economic goals. Discussions centered around leveraging resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to help companies expand.
Strategic Planning for the Future
The meeting concluded with a discussion on aligning small business support with the broader York County strategic plan. Mitch outlined the importance of setting clear goals and ensuring that any initiatives undertaken have a measurable impact on economic competitiveness. The committee emphasized the need to involve key stakeholders in shaping the future direction of economic development.
York County’s next steps will involve continuing work on the Small Business Resource Guide, building partnerships, and refining priorities in future committee meetings. The county is committed to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive while aligning with larger economic growth objectives.
