LAKEPORT, Calif. – Over the next few weeks, city of Lakeport management staff and members of the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, or LEDAC, will be performing a series of “business walks” to all Lakeport businesses.

The intent of these visits is to familiarize the business community with the resources available to them and give local business operators a chance to speak directly with the city about issues that they believe should be considered to make sure local businesses continue to thrive and grow.

The business walks will occur during the last three weeks of March, with followup activities to be made during April.

Findings from the visits will be compiled by LEDAC and presented to the Lakeport City Council.

Performing annual in-person visits to local businesses was identified in the city’s economic development strategic plan as an important element in the support and retention of existing local businesses.

In addition to the upcoming business walks, LEDAC and the Lakeport Community Development Department have recently completed a “Guide to Doing Business in Lakeport” to assist persons interested in starting a new business.

Topics in this guide include “Developing a Business Plan,” “Check and Clear Zoning Regulations,” “Structure Your Business,” and a list of contacts regarding how to obtain a city business license and other pertinent permits.

The guide also includes information and contacts to services that are aimed at assisting new businesses get off the ground, many of which are free.

The guide will be available on the city’s Web site by the end of the week by accessing the business tab from the homepage at www.cityoflakeport.com.

Hard copies of the Guide will also be available through City Hall, the Lakeport Main Street Association and Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

If you are interested in more information pertaining to the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan or other LEDAC endeavors, LEDAC meets bimonthly on the second Wednesday, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.

The next meeting is on March 14; all meetings are open to the public.