Starting a small business requires jumping through a few hoops, depending on where you locate it.

Securing licenses and permits, passing inspections and getting all of your financial ducks in a row are just a few of the steps needed before you can take off.

But those hurdles to starting a business are nothing compared to the task of staying in business, many small business owners say.

Natchez and the Miss-Lou have welcomed several small businesses in recent months, including a few opened by Katrina evacuees and a few opened by our own hometown natives.

We have everything from new restaurants to new gift shops, businesses offering a wide array of products and services.

And these folks need our support. New businesses usually portend poritive news for the economy, for several reasons. The money you spend with a local business stays here, as those business owners and their employees spend their profits and paychecks with other local businesses.

And small businesses simply provide for the health of the economy in general &8212; and put a positive face on our community as larger industries look to locate here.

Take some time to shop or dine in any of our new businesses. Compliment the good service you receive, or offer advice if you didn&8217;t quite get what you need. New business owners usually need help in most areas &8212; but what they need most is customers.