Wauconda creating online business portal

The village of Wauconda is launching an online business directory next week in an attempt to give local businesses another tool for success.

The directory will list about 440 local businesses, linking each entry to individual, village-provided web pages. The link is on the village website, www.wauconda-il.gov.

The online directory is part of a larger effort to spur economic expansion and job growth in Wauconda, said Linda Krajniak, the village's economic development director. Other ventures, such as tax incentives to new companies, also aim to jump-start local business.

"Like everyone, we do have empty storefronts," Krajniak said. "If we can attract businesses through this program and we can maintain them, then we are succeeding at our goals."

To entice businesses to participate, Wauconda is covering the costs of the online directory, she said. The village paid a $3,000 one-time fee for ShopQA, the program that sets up the businesses' web pages. Because it is a test program, Wauconda will not pay a monthly fee for a year, she said.

The village is connecting the directory to its home page to give businesses greater visibility online, Krajniak said. Many times, people go to the village website in search of a business list and do not find anything.

Each web page follows the same template, but the companies can choose to add to their pages. They can post contact information, business descriptions, job opportunities and links to their own websites. They can also upload photos, videos or PDFs.

"It's just one more way to advertise their business," Krajniak said. "It's one more great tool."

Jill Koffen, a secretary at NorthWest Dental Health & Aesthetics, said she thought the online setup seemed user-friendly and really liked the concept.

"If people don't know a lot about us, then they could go to the village website and connect that way," said Koffen, who attended a program seminar Aug. 9. "It would be very easy for them to navigate."

Another local business, M & L's Flooring America, went to the seminar and had a similar impression of ShopQA.

"I think it's great to showcase the local businesses at the village website," general manager Kim Flynn said. "It can benefit businesses that are not on homeowners' regular routes."

The directory will offer information about all businesses, from commercial to home-based companies, Krajniak said. Members of the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce will be highlighted. While 443 businesses have preregistered, she expects more to sign up once word gets out.