Many of us think about starting a business, striking out on our own, working for ourselves, not the man.

However, when we think about the government red tape and regulations involved, we reconsider. Maybe working for the man isn’t so bad after all.

The city of Vicksburg has taken a step to assist would-be entrepreneurs in navigating that government red tape and regulations. City officials hope doing so will up the number of businesses operating here.

We’re sure it will.

The publication, called “Start Up Business Guide” spells out for business owners what they need to do to operate a business in the city of Vicksburg, like who to contact for business licenses and permits, have plans approved for new buildings and renovations to existing businesses. The guide spells out information new business owners will need about the process of starting a business and the laws and regulations applied to their specific operation.

It also provides information on who to call about the enforcement of city building codes and provides access numbers and information for the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service.

The brochure also features important phone numbers, websites and email addresses, like those for the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Fund of Mississippi, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Mississippi Secretary of State.

The brochures will be available in the mayor’s office on the third floor of the Vicksburg City Hall on Walnut Street beginning Thursday.

“One of the fastest and most effective ways to grow an economy and community is through the creation of small business,” said George Flaggs Jr., Vicksburg mayor.

We couldn’t agree more.