More Incentives Needed to Keep/Attract Businesses in Charles City

Businesse owners and consumers both see the need for more incentives to attract new business to Charles City and to help existing businesses expand.  

Tuesday night at the NIACC Center in Charles City, Robin Bostrom with Main Street Iowa presented results of consumer and business surveys conducted last month by the Main Street Charles City Business Improvement Committee. Bostrom says incentives can be developed by asking business owners “What are their hurdles to business creation and/or expansion?”

Bostrom also advised entrepreneurs to explore every grant program possible, noting the “Open for Business” grants available through Main Street Iowa.

Bostrom says the consumer survey asked respondents to describe how they feel Charles City is trending.

Bostrom says other survey results show about 25% of business respondents look to expand within the next few years, while consumers want more retail options to include a variety store and a shoe store.

About 40 business owners and over 400 consumers participated in the surveys.