As a municipal clerk, you play an important role in a business owner’s journey. You’re often the first point of contact when they have questions about permits and complex regulations. But balancing business support with your other duties can be challenging.
We created this guide to share practical strategies that will make it easier for you to support small businesses. These insights come from New Jersey businesses and municipalities we’ve engaged with while building Business.NJ.gov.
How to Use This Guide
Pick and choose the strategies that make the most sense for you and your community.
- Start with small steps for immediate impact
- Plan for big moves or long-term strategies when you have more time and resources
You can explore the ideas below on your own or discuss how to implement them with your office, Business Improvement District (BID), or local Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
How to Improve Business Engagement
Businesses that feel welcomed and supported from the start are more likely to ask for guidance early on and stay engaged with your office.
Small Steps You Can Take
- Engage with businesses on social media. Follow their social media accounts and promote them on your town’s social media pages.
- Help businesses build local connections. Connect them with chambers of commerce and other business organizations that offer mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Start an online business directory. Include location and contact information, so your community can easily find and connect with businesses in your area.
Larger Initiatives
- Welcome new and potential businesses. Coordinate with your office to identify new businesses and send them a welcome email or letter with helpful information on starting a business in your town. If they have a physical location, consider stopping by to introduce yourself.
- Promote new businesses. Show your support by highlighting their products and services in a town newsletter sent out to residents.
- Organize events with local business support groups. Work with Economic Development Corporations (EDCs), chambers, and business incubators to organize events like ribbon cutting ceremonies, networking mixers, workshops, and mentorship programs that drive business development.
How to Simplify Permits and Business Information
Make it easy to get permits and complete other necessary applications. This reduces the time business owners spend looking for information and helps prevent errors and incomplete forms, saving you time in explaining or processing them.
Small Steps You Can Take
- Create a business manual. Put together a physical packet or simple document with information about your town’s demographics, local regulations, and when permits are required, along with details on how to apply
- Simplify permit forms and instructions. Remove unnecessary fields and use clear, simple language to make forms easier to complete. Also, use checklists, step-by-step instructions, and flowcharts to guide businesses through complex permitting processes.
- Use Business.NJ.gov’s resources. Direct businesses to our site for key information on federal and state permit requirements, funding programs, and other resources tailored to them, so they don’t have to search through multiple websites.
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- Move to an online application system. Implement an online system that allows businesses to submit and track permit applications, reducing paperwork and minimizing questions about application status.
- Partner with Business.NJ.gov. Work with us to add your town’s permits, funding opportunities, and other resources to our website, where businesses can find personalized, industry-specific information. This lets them access everything they need in one place, whether they’re at their desk or on the go.
How to Streamline Communication with Businesses
Help businesses find the right information at the right time to cut down on the back-and-forth and repeated questions.
Small Steps You Can Take
- Establish a process to keep contact information current. Regularly update your website and printed materials to ensure business owners can easily find the right contact for any questions.
- Create FAQs. Compile a list of common questions and answers, such as “Where do I throw away my trash and recycling?” and share it with business owners.
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- Assign a go-to person for business questions. Choose a person or team to be the primary contact for business questions, such as a business liaison. This can help you triage inquiries and gives businesses a reliable point of contact.
- Use a live chat feature on your website to direct businesses to the right departments. With different departments available through live chat, you can offer immediate, tailored responses and guide them to the right resources more efficiently.
How to Increase Trust with Businesses
Set clear expectations about business requirements and costs, and actively listen to feedback to help businesses feel confident in their interactions with local government.
Small Steps You Can Take
- Be transparent about fees. Create a fee schedule and share it with businesses early on so they know what to expect when it comes to paying for permits, licenses, and inspections.
- Provide a clear timeline for permits and inspections. If possible, share with businesses how long a permit application review or inspection process might take to help them plan more effectively.
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- Create a space to share news, such as a newsletter or Facebook page. Use it to provide updates on local regulations, permit deadlines, events, and resources, helping businesses stay informed.
- Set up a feedback loop. Give businesses a platform to share their opinions and offer feedback on processes. For example, you can use an online survey or town meetings to gather feedback and encourage open communication between businesses and your office.
