Columbia business grows in 2014

The year 2014 was a busy one for both Columbia and Jefferson City as far as new business licenses.

In Columbia 5,071 business licenses were issued, 31 more than in 2013.

In Jefferson City 549 licenses were given, seven more than in 2013.

“It was a good year. We started seeing people strongly coming out of the recession,” said Matt McCormick, Columbia’s Chamber of Commerce president.

Several businesses, large and small, opened their doors in 2014.

Lucky’s Market, Moe’s, and on Friday Smoothie King.

Jackie Floyd, the owner of Smoothie King, is excited to open her doors on Nifong Blvd.

“We knew that Columbia has been growing so much, it’s been really receptive to the other franchises and businesses that have been popping up around town,” said Floyd.

Floyd is hiring 19 employees from the Mid-Missouri area.

“We are hiring mostly students actually, from Mizzou and the high schools in town,” said Floyd.

McCormick pointed out Columbia’s unemployment rate is dropping.

“We are the lowest in the state and one of the lowest in the nation,” said McCormick.

That is just one of many reasons some businesses want to join Columbia’s growing community.

“It’s a good place to be a small business because you’ve got good affordable housing for staff, you’ve got a constant work force with the university, there’s good health care here, so there are a lot of good benefits to starting a business in Columbia,” said McCormick.

One small business about to open its door next Friday, Harold’s Doughnuts.

ABC 17 News spoke with owner Michael Urban, who said he cannot wait for what 2015 will bring, and he is not alone.

“We are expecting an even better year,” said McCormick.