Business & Economic Development
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step one
TAKE ACTION
• Create a business plan
• Contact the city for information on starting a business specific to the city
• Research locations
• Register your business with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Hire a real estate broker
• Decide to own or lease
• Find professional services: legal, accounting, Insurance
step two
MAKE CONNECTIONS
It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know. So get out there and start to build a strong, supportive
network in the River Heights Chamber. You’ll be glad you did. Check out the neighborhood you want to
be in. Get involved in your community. Walk the streets. Talk to other business owners and city council
members. Attend a city council meeting. Oh, and don’t forget to listen. Involving neighbors is an important
step in building awareness of your business and developing your customer base.
step three
FIND FUNDING
We have great local lending institutions! Other organizations are also willing to show you the money, so
do your research and check with state and federal programs for non-traditional funding opportunities.
Once you have a clear idea of what it may take to operate your business, you can explore options to raise
or borrow the funding you need. There are various programs and sources that may be happy to lend you
capital. You just have to know where to look and how to ask.
step four
GET APPROVALS
• As your first step, please contact the city to determine the number of approvals, expected timeframe and
permit fees associated with your business plan. City staff are available every business day to answer your
questions and guide you through the process.
• The approval process varies based on your scope of project work, business type and desired location
in each city. Some business plans will require more approvals than others. Staff from Planning, Building
Inspections, Engineering, Public Safety and the City Clerk’s office are happy to assist and look forward to
working with you.
step five
OPEN IT
• Thank you for creating jobs in our community.
• You’ve dreamed. You’ve planned. You’ve secured funding and all the needed approvals. You’re so close to
opening your business, you can almost hear that little bell above the front door ringing.
• Now, it’s time to think about new hires and beyond. Before bringing anyone on board, be sure to learn
about labor and tax requirements at the local, state and federal level.
• For complete information on how to open a business in our communities and important numbers and
resources please visit http://www.riverheights.com/opening-or-expanding-a-business-packet-guide/
www.riverheights.com | River Heights Chamber of Commerce 17