Whether you attracted a value-added business to your community or it just walked in off the street, it is important to assess the impact of the proposed business on your community. This includes the economic and social benefits the business will bring to your community. Economic multipliers are useful tools in assessing these impacts on your community. However, you also need to assess the potential negative impacts the business may have on your community. In addition you need to evaluate whether your community can meet the infrastructure and social needs of the new business. This includes utilities, schools, housing, recreation and other needs of the business and its employees.
Information on community impacts is presented in the box at the right.