What to keep in mind while choosing a business location

What to keep in mind while choosing a business location Main Photo

3 Nov 2022


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Starting a business involves a lot of groundwork.  The first few months would involve basic preparations, like writing a business plan, securing financing, and getting your legal documents in order. But choosing the right location for your business is an important factor that you should keep in mind while preparing for your business launch.

Where you start your business will affect your earning potential, market impact, operating expenses, and more. Let’s consider what to consider when choosing a business location and how to find the best place to set up shop.

1. Geographic location

To start, your business should take off in an area close to your target market. Based on your research, choose an area that holds your largest consumer base.

Location is a huge factor in attracting and retaining the best workforce, many of whom keep a close eye on their location to optimize work-life balance. Good location decisions can significantly boost the likelihood of a business succeeding in the long term.

Carroll County, Iowa: A great location for any business!

Known as the “hub of Western Iowa”, Carroll County, is a progressive area, located just 90 miles from the state's capital city of Des Moines. Two major U.S. highways, 71 and 30, intersect the County and allows residents to reach Interstate 35 and 80 within 60 minutes. 

With a  unique blend of rural charm and urban appeal, Carroll County’s sentient mix of agriculture, business, and industry provides for a stable economy and solid foundation for future development.

Where business is concerned, Carroll County is at the crossroads where cutting-edge technology and world-class industrial practice meet a small, hometown community filled with charm and quality of life.

2. Growth potential

A great business location enables you to expand your business as and when needed. A restaurant may eventually want to offer outdoor dining. Similarly, a store may want to offer a more varied inventory. Does your business location have growth capabilities? Are there future growth opportunities? Think about your five-year goals before you kickstart your business journey.

Carroll County:  Watch your business lift off!

Carroll County provides an ideal location for manufacturing, value-added agriculture, retail, and more as the hub of Western Iowa. This economically progressive community provides quality healthcare, education, and community engagement. Major employers like Pella Corporation, Farner-Bocken, United Technology Corporation Aerospace Systems, American Home Shield, Landus Cooperative, and NEW Co-op, and two regional hospitals provide a solid base for employment.  Carroll County is home to a variety of small businesses too, in diverse industries, and offers the potential for growth for all kinds of businesses, both large and small.

3. Accessibility

How easily customers can visit your business is a crucial factor in deciding upon a business location. The more accessible it is, the more value it will have for shoppers and employees.

Carroll County: Easily accessible through rail, road, and air:

Rail:

Carroll County has been home to Union Pacific for over a hundred years. In the early days, Carroll County was a major grower of produce sent by rail throughout the state and beyond. Today, Union Pacific continues to serve our industry partners.

Road:

Carroll itself sits at the intersection of US Highways 30 & 71. Two major U.S. highways, 71 and 30, intersect the County and allows residents to reach Interstate 35 and 80 within 60 minutes. 

Air:

General aviation airports in Iowa provide an essential means of accessing the communities and regions they serve and provide a link to the national transportation system. The Arthur N Neu Airport serves the general aviation needs of Carroll County. The airport is utilized by single-engine, twin-engine, turboprop, and business jet aircraft along with helicopters. The airport offers a full-time fixed-base operator (FBO) that provides fueling, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, aircraft sales, and charter operations. The airport also provides aircraft parking and hangar storage. A wide range of aeronautical activities occurs at the Arthur N Neu Airport including personal travel, business travel both local and transient, just-in-time shipping, law enforcement, and agricultural and medical transport.

4. Cost of living 

The Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures. It is the most reliable source of city-to-city comparisons of key consumer costs available anywhere. COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN Money, and the President's Council of Economic Advisors. The composite index is based on six components – housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.

The cost to live in Carroll County, Iowa is much lower than the national average, according to Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) and The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Carroll County’s Cost of Living Index for the 1st quarter of 2017 is 95.4. An index of 100 is average. These are some of the many areas where businesses can save money when moving to Carroll County from more costly metropolitan areas.

Carroll County Growth Partnership: Keen support for economic growth

Carroll County Growth Partnership provides support to the existing industry base, assists in the establishment of new industries, and works to enhance the area’s quality of place for residents and businesses throughout Carroll County, Iowa. The Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) board and staff are recognized throughout the Midwest for a bold, future-oriented, and politically astute commitment to economic and community development in Carroll County, Iowa. CCGP serves as a catalyst and leading resource for growing new and existing businesses and industries while embracing its hard-earned reputation as a collaborator, advocate, and consensus builder on behalf of county businesses and residents. Contact us here for more information on how you can build your business in Carroll County!