In order to help businesses grow and develop, it is important to support them with the technical assistance and resources they need to overcome their barriers to growth.  Assisting with business development issues helps to create and retain jobs locally by providing crucial services such as counseling, training and customized business development programs.  These services can include training in a variety of areas such as management, accounting, marketing, and product/service delivery.  While the City of Columbia provides assistance in many of these areas, there are also other local, state, and federal service providers located locally who can assist with business development issues as well.