The South Coast Development Council has announced the launch of their Business Retention & Expansion program. The program aims to reach out to existing businesses along the south coast to aid in expansion opportunities for the region. SCDC Executive Director Connie Stopher, has developed a survey that she will be using to establish trends and to identify sectors for growth as well as barriers that local business may be facing. “Existing businesses are the core of economic growth in any community. This new program is designed to identify and address barriers and opportunities for local businesses” Stopher explains. “This program will also aid in identifying supply chain demand for future business recruitment.” SCDC is in the process of scheduling their first appointments beginning in August. “We encourage any local businesses who are interested in learning about possible incentives or expansion opportunities to contact us; we’re here to help everyone.” The Business Retention & Expansion program was identified in SCDC’s workplan in January, and the launch marks a significant step forward in that process. Stopher, who designed and launched a similar program in Idaho, has been looking forward to implementing this new program at SCDC. “This is a great program that has the ability to make doing business along the south coast easier and more profitable.” Stopher continued, “It also helps us identify businesses that are struggling and thinking about closing their doors, so that we can help keep them open.” The SCDC encourages businesses that are interested in participating in the program or finding out more about their services to call 541-266-9753.
