During a recent government meeting, officials discussed strategies to bolster support for small and local businesses in the county. Key proposals included waiving application fees for new businesses during their first year to ease initial financial burdens, as well as enhancing promotional efforts through the county's website and other platforms to increase visibility for new enterprises.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of tourism in the local economy. Suggestions included improved messaging on road signs to attract visitors and the enhancement of programs by the visitors bureau, such as \"3 Perfect Days in Lake County,\" to showcase local attractions and activities. Additionally, the possibility of providing incentives for touring companies to support their marketing efforts was raised, potentially through tax incentives for promotional expenditures.

A significant concern addressed was the lack of local financing options for small businesses, which has become a barrier to growth. Participants noted that the absence of locally owned banks has made it more challenging for entrepreneurs to secure funding. The discussion also touched on the potential for supporting home-based businesses, suggesting updates to zoning permits to accommodate a wider variety of home occupations while preserving the residential character of neighborhoods.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to fostering a healthy local economy through targeted support for small businesses and tourism initiatives, with an emphasis on collaboration between the county and local enterprises.