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A Thriving Environment for Small Businesses in Norman

Small businesses are the heart of Norman’s economy and community. Supporting them means fostering a vibrant, resilient city where entrepreneurs can thrive, create jobs, and keep money circulating locally. Here’s how we can make that happen:

1. Simplify and Streamline Permitting and Licensing ✨
   Red tape can be a huge barrier for small businesses. To make things easier: (A) Improve Norman’s online service portal by streamlining processes, improving user experience, and adding helpful resources. Norman’s service portal could become a model of efficiency and support, making it easier for businesses to navigate city regulations and thrive. (B) Adopting best practices from other cities could help enhance the portal’s accessibility and effectiveness for local entrepreneurs. (C) Introduce a “Norman Small Business Concierge” program to help guide new entrepreneurs through the city’s regulations and help connect them to the right resources.
2. Expand Access to Local Funding and Grants 💰
   Many small businesses struggle to find the capital they need to grow. We can help by: (A) Creating a Small Business Advisory Council of local business owners, community leaders, and economic professionals to guide the city on funding strategies. (B) Developing a Small Business Development Grant Program to support startups and expansions. (C) Partnering with local banks and credit unions to offer low-interest micro-loans for small businesses. (D) Providing matching funds for businesses investing in storefront improvements or sustainability efforts.
3. Prioritize “Buy Local” Initiatives 🛍️
   Encouraging residents to support Norman’s small businesses is essential. Here’s how we can help:
   Launch the “Norman Grown” campaign to celebrate local businesses, offering discounts, loyalty cards, and city-sponsored events.
   Host Local Business Week, a week-long celebration with special promotions, local markets, and business showcases throughout the city.
   Organize pop-up markets and business expos where local entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services.
   Collaborate with the University of Oklahoma, schools, and nonprofits to host workshops on the importance of supporting local businesses.
4. Develop Business Incubators and Co-Working Spaces 🏢
   We want to support local startups and freelancers by: (A) Partnering with the University of Oklahoma, local nonprofits, and developers to create business incubators with affordable office space, mentorship, and networking opportunities. (B) Investing in co-working spaces to provide affordable options for freelancers and small business owners.
5. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships 🤝
   Working together is key to success. To boost local projects: (A) Collaborate with small businesses to sponsor city events, beautification projects, and community programs. (B) Offer incentives for local companies hiring Norman residents or partnering with schools on workforce training programs.
6. Support Digital Transformation 🌐
   In today’s world, digital presence is crucial. We’ll help businesses go digital by: (A) Offering free or low-cost digital marketing workshops to help business owners improve their online presence. (B) Partnering with local tech companies to provide affordable website development and e-commerce solutions for small businesses.
7. Address Commercial Property Challenges 🏠
   To help businesses find and maintain affordable spaces, we’ll: (A) Work with landlords to offer short-term, flexible leases for small businesses. (B) Provide grants or tax incentives to landlords who lease vacant spaces to local businesses. (C) Promote adaptive reuse projects that transform underused properties into vibrant hubs for small businesses and startups.
8. Invest in Infrastructure that Supports Businesses 🚗
   We’ll make Norman a more business-friendly city by: (A) Improving parking, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways in key business areas. (B) Upgrading public transportation to bring more foot traffic to local businesses. (C) Ensuring reliable utilities and high-speed internet are available citywide.
9. Celebrate and Elevate Small Businesses 🏅
   We’ll recognize the hard work of small businesses by: (A) Creating a “Small Business of the Month” award to highlight outstanding local entrepreneurs. (B) Hosting a Small Business Appreciation Week with special events, promotions, and networking opportunities. 🎉
10. Create an Inclusive Business Ecosystem 🌍
    We want every entrepreneur to have a chance to succeed. To do this, we’ll: (A) Offer targeted support for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, including grants, mentorship, and training programs. (B) Partner with schools and local organizations to provide entrepreneurship programs for young people and aspiring business owners. 📚🌻

By making these changes, Norman can create a thriving environment where small businesses grow, innovate, and become a key part of our city’s fabric. Let’s make Norman a place where businesses can succeed and our community can flourish.