Small businesses are the heartbeat of every community. They create opportunities, bring innovation, and foster connections that strengthen neighborhoods from the ground up. But behind every thriving local business is a network of support that helps entrepreneurs move from idea to impact.

That’s where business development support comes in. By equipping entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and resources, communities don’t just grow businesses, they grow economies. Here are three ways this kind of support makes a real difference:

1. Creates Jobs

When entrepreneurs have access to business planning, registration assistance, and operational support, they are better prepared to scale. Growth leads to hiring, and hiring means more jobs for local residents. This creates pathways for income stability, upward mobility, and a stronger workforce pipeline within the community.

Example: A small cleaning company that receives guidance on marketing and financial management can expand its contracts, hire more staff, and contribute to reducing local unemployment.

2. Increases Local Spending

Business development doesn’t just help owners, it strengthens the entire local economy. As businesses succeed, they reinvest revenue into their communities, through wages, partnerships, and local suppliers. This cycle of growth keeps money circulating within neighborhoods, multiplying the impact.

Research consistently shows that dollars spent at local businesses generate more economic activity than those spent at national chains. Business support ensures these dollars keep flowing where they matter most.

3. Builds Stronger Communities

At its core, business development is about more than just profits, it’s about community empowerment. Local businesses often provide culturally relevant services, support youth employment, and serve as gathering spaces for residents. When these businesses thrive, they uplift the social and cultural fabric of the community.

By investing in capacity building, training, and technical assistance, organizations like EDACT are helping to build inclusive economies where every entrepreneur, especially those from underserved and BIPOC communities, has the tools to succeed.

Conclusion

Strong businesses create strong communities. From job creation to local reinvestment, business development support plays a critical role in building resilient local economies.

At EDACT, we’re committed to empowering entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and resources to grow, and in turn, strengthen our communities.

Learn more about our programs and how we can support your journey at 

 EDACT