Our first program is strengthening the business climate in urban and rural communities:  In the beginning, CARA identified and partnered with existing economic development organizations and created business alliances, where as needed. Next, we performed a ready for business analysis that enabled us to determine the community’s response to existing and future business’s needs. Also, capacity building required data and assessments, which we have gained from the working relationships formed with utility companies and other economic development organizations. In order to build a “How to do Business” brochure for smaller municipalities, we had to develop relationships with key contacts for each facet of economic development.