ThriveED President Will Teach Fundamentals of Business Retention Class on February 3

ThriveED President Vicki Pratt will be one of the instructors for the WEDA Academy’s Fundamentals of Business Retention class on February 3. Offered virtually, the class falls on the first day of WEDA’s annual Governor’s Conference. Click here to register

Business retention and expansion (BRE) programs are essential for building a thriving local and regional economy. Through the use of a formal BRE program, communities are able to build stronger relationships with the business community by identifying barriers to growth and connecting businesses with resources to prosper and grow.

Through this course, participants will learn about the importance of having a formal BRE program.  Essential program components will be explored, including business visitation.  Topics will include the selection of businesses to be surveyed, survey tools and tracking and measuring responses and follow-up.  Best practices will be considered including addressing immediate needs, seizing opportunities for growth and building strong relationships with the business community.  These concepts will be reinforced through a case study of Rock County’s successful business retention program.

Through this course, attendees will learn:

• The value of establishing a formal BRE program
• Essential program components, including business visitation
• Best practices