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Business Retention and Expansion in Northwest Missouri is important to
the financial well being of our communities. In 2006, over a 13 month
span, there were 19 businesses in NWMO which closed their doors and left
236 people unemployed. These closures grabbed the attention of the
Northwest Workforce Investment Board and were brought to the attention
of Governor Matt Blunt and the State Legislators. To address these
concerns the state, utilizing Workforce Investment Act funds,
established a multi-year grant to fund a Business Retention and
Expansion Program to keep businesses and jobs in Missouri.
The
state is divided into 6 Business Retention Regions and each region is
responsible for creating their own Business Retention and Expansion (BRE)
program. In our region, the Northwest, a Business Retention Early
Warning (NW-BREW) network has been created to focus on businesses which
are in trouble and in need of assistance. This NW-BREW network consists
of individuals from a variety of public service organizations, local
county and city governments, as well as people from private industry.
Their responsibilities are to notify the Coordinators in each region if
they suspect a business is in trouble. Some of the early warning signs
to watch for are, small layoffs not tied to seasonal conditions,
decreasing involvement in community activities, and rumors that
originate with current employees.
Business Retention Coordinators (BRC), were hired in each of the 6
regions to canvass the counties in their area, establish contact with
owners and managers and reach out to these potentially faltering
businesses. Upon receiving notice that a business is in trouble it is
the BRC’s responsibility to contact the establishment and offer
assistance. There are many factors to take into account to determine
the exact needs of the business. Whether the problem is with finance,
personnel, marketing, or technical assistance, once that need is
assessed the BRC can take steps to rectify the situation using available
resources.
Some examples of the resources available are referrals to small business
lenders, through the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business
Development Centers (SBDC), Missouri Enterprise, and other appropriate
agencies and professionals who can assist.
Another example, such as a personnel problem, can be addressed by the
Missouri Career Centers through greathires.org ,
located in St. Joseph, Maryville and Chillicothe. Certified Training
opportunities are offered through educational institutions like
Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri Western State University,
and North Central Missouri College, to educate current business
employees on the latest, most up to date technology and business
practices. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
These are just a few examples of the services which are at the disposal
of businesses in Northwest Missouri. Be on the lookout for more
articles about the Northwest Missouri Business Retention and Expansion
Program to follow in the near future. For more information on
assistance or available resources, to become a member of the Early
Warning Network, or to report a business in trouble contact the
Northwest Business Retention Coordinator at the following address:
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