Fort Worth wants to hear from small-business owners on red tape and permit fees
Fort Worth entrepreneurs are facing major barriers to business and now the city of Fort Worth is looking to implement changes to solve that problem, experts say.
In November, a report shared during Fort Worth’s fifth-annual State of Entrepreneurship luncheon revealed that it can take an aspiring restaurant owner in Fort Worth up to 63 steps to open a new dining establishment, with a total cost of more than $4,200. While startup permitting fees generally cost less in Fort Worth than other major U.S. cities, the number of different fees is larger than nearly 20 other cities, according to the report conducted by nonprofit organization Institute for Justice.
Five months later, Institute for Justice and the city are partnering to improve Fort Worth’s licensing and permitting process for new small businesses. A town hall is scheduled for Wednesday for community members, small-business owners and Fort Worth entrepreneurs to discuss their experience with inspections, permitting and regulations.
The goal is to refine the process for small businesses moving forward.
The small business and entrepreneurship town hall is 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Riverside Community Center on East Belknap Street in Fort Worth.
