2010/11 STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
The mission of BRACE is to provide a supportive and systematic approach to small business development that will spur economic revitalization and encourage economic sustainability in Van Buren County.
BRACE has been well guided by its direction over the last 18 months. The BRACE Leadership Team met on December 1 and 15 to review its strategic initiatives and develop a plan for the next 12 to 24 months beginning January 1, 2010. As a result of these sessions the group will focus as follows:
Bringing Completion to Existing Projects:
1. Continuing to define the structure of the group and work toward securing a Business Resources Liaison.
2. Continuing to work on developing business resource centers by way of the existing library infrastructure and facilitate training for librarians on business resources.
3. Finalizing the BRACE web-site and link it to social media.
Initiating New Projects:
1. Defining the metrics by which BRACE successes are measured.
2. Implementing an entrepreneur’s needs assessment/evaluation.
3. Publishing an “E-Tips” column on the BRACE web-site and in Van Buren County-based publications to build upon consistent branding for BRACE, promote educational opportunities for small business development, and provide tips for entrepreneurs.
4. Centrally coordinating and distributing a county-wide small business development education schedule (Chambers, LMC, MSUE, VBISD, VBC, MI Works!).
5. Facilitating resource sharing and mentoring by way of User-groups, with QuickBooks being a pilot.
Potentially Supporting Other Project/Initiatives:
1. Encouraging county-wide land-use planning and promoting model zoning ordinances.
2. Conducting a cash flow analysis to increase local spending based on the Rural Learning Center, Minor County, South Dakota model, and pilot in South Haven and Bangor.
3. Developing a database inventorying available property assets.
Many of the strategic priorities established by BRACE for 2008/09 have been achieved and will continue to be available or grow independently. These include:
1. Hosting monthly E-Club meetings in both South Haven and Paw Paw.
2. Developing a marketing strategy, including printed materials and electronic resources that will provide timely information to entrepreneurs and assist in generating greater awareness about BRACE.
3. Continuing to provide programming including Business-for-Business Forums and an annual summit as a means of expanding skills and encouraging networking.
4. Providing credit and non-credit classes through Lake Michigan College to foster the development of business skills.
5. Working with the schools in identifying needs relative to youth entrepreneurship.
Cultivating Ideas, Growing Small Businesses, & Building a Culture that is Supportive of Entrepreneurial Dreams