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The Office of Economic Development has suggestions to help your business succeed in 2020. From learning and networking to being prepared for an emergency, check out the list of New Year’s resolutions for business owners.

1. Put important dates on your calendar. One important date is March 1, 2020, which is when business license renewals are due to the Commissioner of the Revenue.
2. Reflect on your business successes and make a goal list for 2020. Make an exhaustive list of what you would like to accomplish and then break it down to accomplish a few things each month.
3. Educate yourself on something you want to learn more about. Check out our upcoming events for ideas on upcoming workshops and seminars.
4. Learn about local resources such as SCORE Williamsburg and the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center.
5. Engage in local networking opportunities. If you are a Home-Based Business, the upcoming regional Home-Based Business Conference on March 20, 2020 may be a good place to start. The Williamsburg Business Council is another great resource for networking and seminars.
6. Make a plan for emergencies such as hurricanes, radiological emergencies and power outages. Signing up for JCC Alert is an easy way to make sure James City County officials can deliver emergency alerts and notifications to you.
7. Schedule a business security survey with the James City County Police Department (JCCPD). JCCPD will conduct a free, on-scene security survey of a business. They will also provide suggestions and information on how to keep a business safe.
8. Think locally and look for partners for a new idea or event you may have.
9. Find a local cause that your business can support and give back to the community.
10. Connect with the Office of Economic Development on our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) and sign up for our newsletter.

Suggested Reading

• SCORE Article: 5 Steps to Prep Your Business for 2020
• SCORE Article: 4 Ways to Master Work-Life Balance in the New Year
• James City County: Be Ready for Any Emergency
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Prepare for Emergencies
• Williamsburg SCORE: Local templates and checklists

If you have questions or need assistance in 2020, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to helping you succeed this year and every year.

Media Contact:
Christopher Johnson, Director of Economic Development
757-253-6690; christopher.johnson@jamescitycountyva.gov