Business Improvement strives to improve the community's overall economic health by strengthening existing assets while diversifying the economic base. Business improvement involves business retention, expansion and recruitment activities, and development of financing tools and provides training opportunities to businesses.

The role of the Business Improvement Committee is to assist existing businesses with gathering information pertinent to the local and regional market, to look for opportunities to retain existing businesses and provide areas for expansion, and to offer continuing training opportunities.

The existing economic base of Story City provides unique shopping opportunities and destination businesses for local and out-of-town customers. The physical location of the community next to major federal highways (Interstate 35 and US 69) provides excellent access to potential customers. Inside the town, residential and commercial additions shout of civic pride in their cleanliness and attractive appearance.

For a community of a little over 3,200 people, Story holds the necessary resources and cooperative partnership with the city to accomplish the established Main Street Business Improvement Goal to increase the sales and profitability of all businesses bringing in a better and more prosperous economy for Story City.