Steve Mensing, Editor
♦ I live in Madison, Wisconsin, a city recognized as a major vortex for entrepreneurial activity in a number of areas. Madison is a cornucopia of entrepreneurial attractants: Major institutions like the University of Wisconsin, hospitals conducting research, industry clusters, a tremendous quality of life, great natural beauty, a large body of entrepreneurs and their networks dwelling here, a youthful population, a top ranked public school system, affluence, amenities, low cost housing, vast cultural and recreational assets–an excess of anything an entrepreneur could desire.
But what do entrepreneurs desire? What attracts entrepreneurs to a city or a small municipality? Numerous studies and surveys exist on what attracts entrepreneurs and their results pretty much mirror each other. Here is a list of those very important entrepreneurial attractants. As you read through the list, see how Salisbury or some of the other municipalities in Rowan County may qualify as being attractive to entrepreneurs. Here goes:
• Low costs in doing business
• Attractive business areas and districts
• How are the area’s major institutions such as colleges, universities, libraries, and hospitals? Are they well regarded?
• A secure customer base and a sense of business opportunity.
• Existing networks of entrepreneurs already there
• Industrial clusters/company clusters that permit collaboration between entrapaneurs with similar interests
• A welcoming attitude toward small business and entrepreneurs
• Does the area possess walkability? Sidewalks?
• Do several high-speed internet companies operate in the area? Do they have competitive prices?
• A large variety of restaurants, entertainment, movie theaters, theater, common interest groups, and music venues
• Are there research facilities in the area?
• Do friends and family live in the vicinity?
• Does the local government create unnecessary red tape and barriers such as excessive codes or show favoritism that newcomers must struggle through?
• Are local public schools well-regarded?
• Do entrepreneurial incubators and training programs exist in the area?
• Is there good clean water available in the area at inexpensive rates?
• Convenient airports and public transportation?
• Low crime rates? Is the area safe?
• Are the area’s streets and roads well maintained?
• Is their an active local economic development agency?
• Is the area a good place to raise a family or move one in? Is the area children friendly?
• Are very bright, talented, and creative people drawn to the area?
• How are the areas parks and recreation?
• A youthful population
• Are homes affordable?
• Does the community have much spendable income? Is the poverty rate low?
• Is the city or small municipality friendly toward cooperative ventures?
• The community’s physical setting attractive?
• Is there convenient shopping close at hand?
• Are local taxes reasonable?
• Is the local government business friendly?
• Is a well-educated workforce available?
• Are their local business incentives and grants available?
• Are community banks and lending institutions friendly toward entrepreneurs?
• Would you be excited about calling this place home?
