NBEDC Strengthens Startup Business Support on Website

City Specific Permitting and Licensing Information Easily Available
The New Bedford Economic Development Council announced the expansion of its website to include a series of easily accessible online tools aimed at guiding new business owners through the process of starting up a small business.
“Starting Your Business” offers service-oriented documents beginning with a checklist that “tests” the individual’s readiness to launch a business. A checklist accompanied by a comprehensive guide helps the business owner through the critical process of developing a business plan. Located at http://nbedc.org/starting-your-business.htm the site provides information regarding permitting, licensing, regulations and taxes, insurance and choosing advisors, as well as a robust list of contacts and resources.
“Navigating through Regulations and Licensing Requirements: A Guide for Entrepreneurs in New Bedford in Twenty One Occupations”, or simply the Entrepreneur’s Guide, is another feature of the site. It describes specific permitting and licensing requirements for an array of businesses and/or occupations from a barber shop to a small grocery store to a flower shop.
An “Entrepreneur’s Guide” was produced by the Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research in conjunction with the NBEDC.
“We’ve designed an information source easy to access and geared to what a startup business owner needs to know”, said Matthew A. Morrissey NBEDC’s executive director.
Compiled from various sources, the “Starting Your Business” pages are in pdf format and can be downloaded or printed as the user requires.
Other NBEDC website features include: an updated Business Resource page with links to city department heads, links to the NBEDC lending services and Real Estate Assistance Program (REAP), Business and City related links, and an archive of the organization’s bi-monthly eNewsletter.