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Here are some insights from a conversation with one of our local restaurant owners. Their experiences highlight the challenges faced by our downtown’s small businesses.
Inspired by the principles of Strong Towns and the economic success of startups and nations that have risen from poverty, we’d like to advocate for our small business owners in a way that fosters collaboration and growth.
We’re encouraged by the initiatives already in motion to strengthen our downtown, such as addressing vacant storefronts, the BIA’s efforts, the promotion of tourism, the establishment of local grants, preserving our heritage character, and promoting walkable development. These steps show a commitment to our community’s future, and we’re grateful for the work being done by Councilors, Town staff and the BIA.
That said, I’ve learned about some hurdles that our small businesses, particularly restaurants and mobile food businesses, face. For instance:
- a $250 fee to post a foldable sign
- a $750 permit plus engineering drawings to install awnings (which add shade and charm to our streets)
- a complex Special Events Review Team process with bylaws and fire marshal requirements that would take the wind out of the sails of any enterprising citizen.
These regulations, while well-intentioned, may create barriers that stifle the entrepreneurial energy we need.
I also heard that a neighboring municipality has reached out and offered incentives directly to some of our local business owners—has Kingsville offered them the same?
Drawing from proven economic development principles, we see that places like Singapore and South Korea transformed from poverty to prosperity in a single generation by creating low-barrier environments for small businesses. They empowered street vendors, small retailers, and startups with minimal red tape, fostering innovation and resilience.
Sound familiar? That’s what kicked off the Detroit Economic Miracle–the turnaround we’ve seen over the last 15 years.
In contrast, overly centralized systems, like the Soviet Union’s, collapsed under rigid control. Government’s aim should not be to control, but rather to provide the grounds for fair play and prosperity for businesses of any size, and then to just let nature run its course–which is the evolution of complex adaptive systems that actually become stronger when threatened. The intelligence of these systems dwarfs anything even the smartest humans have conceived. We just have to get out of their way.
Downtown small businesses generate some of the highest value per-acre for the town. Supporting them is key to long-term prosperity. And, today’s hot dog cart, porch bakery, or food truck can become tomorrow’s Main Street staple.
To build a stronger Kingsville, I believe we can make it easier for microbusinesses to thrive by simplifying permitting processes, reducing fees, or offering small grants (or at least assist with grant writing). This doesn’t mean ignoring larger projects but recognizing that a vibrant downtown grows from many small, dynamic businesses. By lowering barriers, we can let the free market nurture our local economy from the ground up.
So, what is Strong Towns Kingsville doing about it? We’ve started using our social media channels to inspire and educate citizens to start food related microbusinesses and events, as those leverage Kingsville’s strong restaurant and local food cultures. We are also starting a support group called “Mobile Food Mavericks” for anyone who is interested in starting or has already started a food cart, food truck, farmstand, or front yard food business.
I’d like to hear your thoughts—whether you’re a business owner, a citizen, a Councilor, or Town staff. If my observations don’t align with yours or if you have ideas for supporting our small businesses, please comment or join the conversation at our next Strong Towns Kingsville gathering on August 21st at 6:00pm at La Dulce Vida Café, 15 Division St. S.
Together, we will ensure our downtown remains the engine of our local economy and the heart of our community.
Thank you for your commitment to a stronger Kingsville.
Chad Nantais
Local Leader – Strong Towns Kingsville
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