Sylvia Arzola, public information and marketing manager for the Austin Development Services Department, said the online tool is geared toward helping small-business owners early on in their startup process.
“The development process can be very complicated,” she said. “A lot of times small-business owners don’t know what they are getting into when they sign a lease.”
Smart Start launched Oct. 13 as a way for Austin small-business owners to ask questions and get more information on the city's development process.[/caption]By using Smart Start, business owners can ask questions about a prospective site to determine if it is zoned for the right use, such as for a coffee shop, or if demolition and renovation is permitted.
Anyone can post a question on the site, and Arzola said the goal is to have a response provided within 24 hours. Users can also explore Smart Start for more information on zoning, permitting and construction regulations to gather information before leasing a property or starting a project.
The city's development services and economic development departments collaborated on developing Smart Start. The tool was funded through a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which awards funding for developing, implementing and improving online tools designed to assist local business owners with the startup process, according to a city of Austin news release.
Northwest Austin-based Bazaarvoice, located at 10901 Stonelake Blvd., Austin, developed the Q&A platform for Smart Start. Bazaarvoice has the world’s largest network of active shoppers. It helps about 4,000 brands and retailers collect, moderate and display consumer-generated content, ratings, social posts, videos and Q&A's about the products.
The economic development department also has other free tools in its Small Business Program for small-business owners, including classes hosted regularly throughout the city. Topics include opening a new business, digital marketing, hiring employees and using Quickbooks.
Visit www.austintexas.gov/smartstart or www.austintexas.gov/smallbiz for more information about these programs and tools.