Every idea, filed.
Ideas that help local businesses start, stay, grow and hire, newest first. Each one has the steps, Texas examples and sources.
All Start here Campaigns Communication Events Money Programs Recognition Research Service Visits Workforce
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Digital Facade: the facade program for the storefront customers see first
Every business in town scored on its Google listing, handed a short fix list, re-scored monthly and celebrated at 90. Live in three Texas cities, with a free do-it-yourself version.
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The business visitation program
The core of BRE: scheduled visits to existing employers, the same short set of questions every time, and a system to follow up.
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The BRE survey and the red-flag list
A standard questionnaire that turns visits into data, and a short list of answers that trigger a response.
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The facade improvement grant
A matching grant for the front of a building. The most common small-business incentive in Texas downtowns.
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Business After Hours: the monthly mixer
A come-and-go evening at a member business, same slot every month. The chamber staple that still works.
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The business newsletter
One email a month to every business you know, with things they can use. The delivery channel for everything else on this list.
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Shop local and the community gift card
A campaign that moves spending to local businesses, often with a gift card that only works in town.
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Ribbon cuttings, anniversaries and awards
A photo, a crowd and a plaque. Cheap, and owners remember it for years.
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Improvement grants beyond the facade
Signs, interiors, build-outs: smaller matching grants that reach the businesses a facade grant never will.
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Skills for Small Business: free training money
A state grant that pays for community college training for employers with fewer than 100 employees. A gift you can bring on a visit.
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The one-stop: permits, licenses and a person to call
One place, one person and one plain guide for opening or expanding a business in your city.
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The local business podcast: Growth Signal, Elsa's award-winning show
A short, regular show from the EDC for local business owners. Elsa, Texas built one with two AI hosts, and it won a 2025 Texas Municipal Excellence Award for Communication Programs.