Wyoming Business Tips for June 25

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Sarah Hamlin, WSBDC Riverton regional director

“What opportunities are there for my business during the Great American Eclipse?” Brian, Lander

We are about two months away from the big day. Aug. 21 will be here before we know it. What are you doing to help prepare your business for this once-in-a-lifetime event?

All over the state, communities, business owners and individuals are planning. The topics being discussed range from community safety to business opportunities. As you prepare for the big day, here are a few things to remember:

-- With so many visitors coming, it is important to get your business on the map. Google, through its “Get Our Cities on the Map” program, makes it easy and free for business owners to create their online directory listings. Contact WSBDC regional Director Sarah Hamlin to help get started in this process by emailing sarah.hamlin@uwyo.edu.

-- The Wyoming Department of Revenue is offering temporary sales tax and lodging tax licenses for individuals who are interested in selling products or renting lodging during the eclipse week. For more information about the free application, visit http://revenue.wyo.gov/.

-- Places such as Airbnb and VRBO are blowing up with Wyoming residents offering up their rooms and homes to guests. These platforms do not automatically collect lodging tax for you; we suggest that you apply for a temporary lodging tax license (see above).

-- If you are renting lodging or parking to visitors, make sure to check with an insurance agent to see if your policy covers guests.

-- Think about extras, such as bottled water/snacks, that you could stock in your store for a hot August day.

-- Check for other events your communities are hosting that week. All over the state, we are seeing community street parties, rodeos and music popping up during eclipse day. These types of events could be a great place to promote your business to a new audience.

Regardless of where you are in your planning, remember that the WSBDC Network is here to help. Connect with your local adviser by visiting www.wyomingsbdc.org/contact-us/.

A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at www.wyomingsbdc.org/blog1/.

For more information, call the WSBDC Network Procurement Technical Assistance Center at (307) 772-7372 or email amlewis@uwyo.edu.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.