What Happened?
The city of San Francisco recently launched an online platform to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access permits and licenses faster to launch or expand a company in the community. Because owning a business involves complex and confusing paperwork and requirements, the digital tool simplifies the process to encourage more economic development in the city.
So What?
The platform provides startups and small businesses with all permits and licenses required by the city of San Francisco based on industry and associated costs. Owners can download the forms and submit the applications online to save time and money while increasing accuracy of documentation. Through the organized online portal, owners can avoid fines and penalties while remaining compliant for long-term sustainability. License123 is providing the technology for the city’s effort.
Former San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee incorporated License 123 into his overarching initiative to make government information and services more accessible to local businesses. The city also updated its 311 portal to increase government transparency, accountability and access to data for citizens and small businesses.
NYC Study Calls For Innovation
A 2012 study from the Center for an Urban Future revealed how important new technologies are to providing a competitive edge to startups and small businesses. When owners have access to and utilize various solutions such as social media and accounting software, operations become more efficient, new markets are tapped and money is saved. Unfortunately, many small businesses do not understand or leverage these technologies to boost innovation and growth. The study found:
- Less than 50 percent of small businesses are confident they use technology to be competitive
- Most small businesses use computers, email and the internet, but struggling companies are lagging in adoption rates
- Less than two-thirds have a unique website
- Less than 40 percent of retail and hospitality companies operate a point-of-sale system
- A small percentage take advantage of accounting and customer relationship management software
- Two-thirds use social media for business purposes
- About 50 percent use automated payroll services
- 60 percent use a professionalized domain name tied to their business in email addresses
Better access to and use of technology helps close the gap between small business and larger enterprises, boosting economic activity and growth in the community.
NYC Digital Partnerships
To help small and burgeoning businesses in New York City, Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, the Department of Small Business Services and NYC Digital joined forces with Google, Mashable and Tumblr to provide a Small Business Digital Toolkit to increase online growth and visibility. The goal of the digital partnership was to help small businesses reach more customers and create new jobs, driving revenue in the city and economic growth. The toolkit provided:
- Free training for online business operations
- Social media tips from Mashable
- Website how-to guides from Tumblr
- Search engine optimization information from Google
The program also updated the city’s Digital Roadmap in 2011 to increase residential and small business access to education, information and opportunities within New York City.
Other Innovative Efforts
Gov1 has been following other cities’ initiatives to increase accessibility through online apps, and drive economic growth.