Small rural towns like Questa rely on locally owned businesses run by community members who are invested in the community’s future. These businesses are an integral part of the region’s economy, hiring local workers and providing much needed products and services.
When you buy locally, you help support the economic base of our community. A stronger tax base means more money allocated for schools, roads, fire, and police services—as well as overall economic stability.
To actively support existing businesses with growth opportunities, as well as to create stronger business relations with key contacts and resources, the Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF) recently launched a formalized Questa Business Expansion and Retention program (QBRE), made possible through funding received from the state’s Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) grant.
As an entrepreneur and long-time local, I am fortunate to have been contracted by QEDF Director, Lynn Skall, as the QBRE Coordinator. Together we will meet with local businesses in the greater Questa area to gather information, provide targeted support, and help develop solutions to improve business conditions.
The QBRE program will allow us to build stronger relationships with business owners to gain a better understanding of their challenges, needs, and any barriers to growth. The program will enable us to offer individualized assistance, brainstorming, and support, while connecting them to potential collaborators, resources, and possible funding for infrastructure, systems improvements, marketing, and such, to help them get to the next level.
Skall emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Questa community. Research shows that 80 percent of a community’s new jobs come from existing businesses, and the QBRE program is a great opportunity to support our existing businesses to help stimulate economic growth and new job creation.”
As part of the program, a “Rate Questa” survey will be administered to allow business owners to provide input on different services and quality of life issues, ranging from ease of doing business to workforce availability and cost of living.
The data collected from the survey and during confidential face-to-face conversations will be analyzed and compiled into a report to help the QEDF and the Village of Questa identify area business trends, opportunities, and potential solutions. The information will be used to make informed decisions and set priorities to better serve the needs of our community.
For more information, or if you would like your business or service to be included in the Questa Business Retention and Expansion initiative, get in touch with Monique Parker, at qbre-coordinator@questedf.com or leave a message at (575) 586-2149.
