2017 Strategic Plan Update The Economic Development Authority of Amherst County (EDA) held a board planning meeting on August 29, 2017. The purpose was to review the 2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan and make updates based on new opportunities. The agenda for the meeting included discussion on trends in economic development, a review of strategic plan accomplishments, brainstorming new assets, challenges and opportunities, and planning for the coming year. The updated two initiatives in the strategic plan: Small Business and Entrepreneur Development and Space for Businesses to Grow. The new action steps are priorities for fiscal year 2018-2019. The strategic plan matrix has been updated and is attached to this document. Small Business and Entrepreneur Development Goal: Make Amherst County more business friendly. Strategy: Recommend policy changes to the County Action Steps: The EDA and Planning Commission have been charged by the County to research the perception of business unfriendliness and recommend changes to policies that will make the County more business friendly. Research best practices for a one stop” “business Review all business-related fees and compare to similar communities Advocate for a Planning Commission review of ordinances on best practice communities Include business leaders and developers on the review team Strategy: Support business through incentives and financing Action Steps: Consider a new incentive program for businesses Through EDA business partners and discussions/surveys/interviews of small businesses, explore the need for a small business revolving loan program The board reinforced the strategies related to broadband and cellular communications services.
2017 Strategic Plan Update The Economic Development Authority of Amherst County (EDA) held a board planning meeting on August 29, 2017. The purpose was to review the 2016 Economic Development Strategic Plan and make updates based on new opportunities. The agenda for the meeting included discussion on trends in economic development, a review of strategic plan accomplishments, brainstorming new assets, challenges and opportunities, and planning for the coming year. The updated two initiatives in the strategic plan: Small Business and Entrepreneur Development and Space for Businesses to Grow. The new action steps are priorities for fiscal year 2018-2019. The strategic plan matrix has been updated and is attached to this document. Small Business and Entrepreneur Development Goal: Make Amherst County more business friendly. Strategy: Recommend policy changes to the County Action Steps: The EDA and Planning Commission have been charged by the County to research the perception of business unfriendliness and recommend changes to policies that will make the County more business friendly. Research best practices for a “business one stop” Review all business-related fees and compare to similar communities Advocate for a Planning Commission review of ordinances on best practice communities Include business leaders and developers on the review team Strategy: Support business through incentives and financing Action Steps: Consider a new incentive program for businesses Through EDA business partners and discussions/surveys/interviews of small businesses, explore the need for a small business revolving loan program The board reinforced the strategies related to broadband and cellular communications services.
2017-Amherst-Strategic-Plan-Update-Final-3-Page.docx