In what can still seem like an incredibly volatile business environment, the city of Vancouver has steadily been working to improve conditions here. The city’s economic development and community planning departments have undertaken many efforts to bolster local industry and help drive success for current and future businesses within the city limits. Three of their projects are coming to fruition as we transition from 2014 to 2015.
One-stop licensing
Beginning Monday (November 17), Vancouver businesses may register for and renew business licenses for the state of Washington and the city of Vancouver at the same time.
“This means,” said Lloyd Tyler, financial and management services director, “that rather than having to go to the state for a license and then separately to the city for a local license, business owners will be able to go directly to the state renewal portal online (at bls.dor.wa.gov/file.aspx) and take care of all licensing and related endorsement they may have.”
It’s a small item, but an important part of building the reputation as a city that is friendly to business, said Tyler.
“We felt like it was one thing we could do to make our process more efficient,” he said. “We were waiting for the state to finish some programming to accommodate our business licensing procedure, which they have now been able to do.”
Businesses who want to register by mail instead of online may also take advantage of the one-stop licensing. The city will continue to process City Special Licenses and Home Occupation Permits, and will review business license applications after they are submitted to the state.
Small business assistance
Using funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the city will be launching a Small Business Assistance Program that is currently funded through 2015. The program will offer technical assistance to small businesses, with special focus on helping business owners who meet federal low-income qualifications.
The city is currently seeking applications from local nonprofits with the skills and expertise to administer the program.
“We are hoping to find a company that will be able to work with income restrictions, but would also be able to help folks outside of those restrictions, offer advice to grow businesses, offer tech help and assistance getting small business loans,” said Peggy Sheehan, the city’s community development manager. “We felt it would be much better to have a nonprofit deliver these services instead of a city staff member.”
The Request for Proposals (RFP #47-14) is open through 3 p.m. December 3, and can be viewed at the Builders Exchange of Washington website, bxwa.com.
Innovation Partnership Zone
An ongoing project, the Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ), is a multi-partner effort to expand Vancouver’s technology-based businesses. “IPZ,” said IPZ Administrator Sandra Towne, “is a state designation that brings extra attention to regions that are taking advantage of already-existing assets in the area, and trying to grow them.”
In partnership with organizations like the Columbia River Economic Development Council and WSU-Vancouver, the city is working to facilitate connections, networking and communications that will allow tech-based businesses in the area to grow by working together more effectively and efficiently.
