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The
Four-Stage BR&E Proccess
The BR&E program can be characterized as a series of actions intended
to proactively connect with the business community. It involves a
volunteer-led business visitation program to identify & respond to
business concerns, trends and opportunities. It includes a multi-stakeholder
process to develop and implement local strategic action plans. This
provides for community capacity building in economic development.
There are four stages in completing the BR&E program. Stage 1 involves
project planning and business visits; stage 2 is immediate follow
up to red flag business concerns; stage 3 involves data analysis
and strategic planning; stage 4 involves a public meeting and implementation
of initiatives.
The process of this initiative is as follows:
- Firm Visits: Local community leaders receive training
on how to conduct the BR&E program. After receiving training, volunteer
visitors call on businesses and interview the firm manager or owner.
A proven survey tailored to local businesses is used for the interviews.
The survey pinpoints business needs, concerns and development plans.
Individual firm data is kept confidential. See also: Visitation
Process Flowchart
- Immediate Follow-up: A local leadership team reviews the
survey results and responds to the needs and concerns expressed
by businesses. Support from resources within and outside the community
becomes mobilized.
- Strategic Planning: Experts analyze the survey information
and prepare an initial draft report for the leadership team. The
report includes data analysis and suggests recommendations for
improving the local business climate. The leadership team uses
this report, its knowledge of the community and a strategic planning
process to develop an action plan.
- Implementation: The action planning process fosters the
development of local implementation teams. These teams spearhead
efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the action plan. Local
businesses and a variety of agencies may be drawn into the process
by these teams.
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