Small Business Committee, March 11, 2025
Committee Members: Mayor Diana Nelson, chair. Council members Mark Haake and Joy Bennett.
Letters sharing new Small Business Resource and thanking companies for locating in Mason went out last month. Mark Haake got a grateful message from LiveWell Chiropractic (on Tylersville Rd by GE Credit Union).
Mason Youth Council Presentation
Economic Development Committee of MYC
“The Mayor’s Challenge” - structured initiative by youth to support small business.
Will get applicants through the XLP at the high school. This will allow them to match student interns with businesses. MADE Chamber has put out an offer for student help.
Acton Academy - social media and (?).
LEAD Training - non-profit looking for a mural in their office.
First cohort will work April - Summer.
What do students need from the business to get credit for the hours? Role description. Student will have a form they take to the business at the end of experience to get formal feedback on it.
Schedule and hours will vary based on the business’s need. Starting all volunteer.
They mentioned mentoring for student-run businesses.
Small Business Support General Discussion
Center Point - quarterly. Will put small business resource guide info in the guide, and will put out a call for nominations for the Community Impact Award for 2025. Joy requested the questions we put on the survey people filled out to nominate businesses.
Discussed business recognition in addition to the award. Businesses will collaborate with the city on things like the banners on the street lights. City staff said they would work on banners for Small Business Month, though when they’ll go up is TBD. The SBA designates the first week of May (this year May 4-10). Shop Local Month/Small Business Saturday in November. American Express offers swag to be a “Shop Small Captain” for your zip code.
