Businesses are facing unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There has never been a greater need than now to hear from Sarnia-Lambton area businesses. Receiving input from as many of our area businesses as possible is critical. The information gathered will shape our response and our advocacy efforts with all levels of government and help us create the tools and resources needed to assist businesses with economic recovery.
A short online survey has been developed. Recognizing that businesses have limited time for surveys, we have partnered with five organizations rather than each asking you to complete our own survey. These findings will also be integrated into a southwestern Ontario regional survey to ensure that the needs of our business community are on the radar screen of the Provincial and Federal governments.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed HERE.
The initial survey launched in early March received responses 144 businesses. The findings indicate that 42% are feeling significant impacts to their business, 41% had temporarily closed, and 77% identified that financial contributions from upper levels of government would be most beneficial.
The new online survey has a refined focus, with questions that reflect the current situation, including the recently announced Provincial and Federal financial assistance packages.
“We hope the strength of the partners collaborating on this survey will demonstrate the importance of the business community coming together to share their stories to help shape the most effective response for the Sarnia-Lambton area,” said Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO, Stephen Thompson.
The survey is open to all Sarnia-Lambton area businesses including those who completed the earlier survey. It is critical that we hear from as many businesses as possible, from all sectors, including small business, bio/petro chemicals, agriculture, technology companies, retail, food and beverage, and others.
“A strong response will help us determine if different sectors would benefit from different programs and strategies,” added Thompson.
“Robust participation from the businesses community is vital to our efforts to advocate for our local businesses and to help strength Sarnia-Lambton’s economic recovery across all sectors,” said Mary Jean O’Donnell, Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. “The more responses we receive to the survey, the stronger and more comprehensive our voice will be on behalf of business.”
“We are aware that many local businesses do not currently qualify for the support programs which have been announced by the Federal and Provincial Governments. In recognition of this, the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation introduced its’ Emergency Support Loan Program for businesses affected by COVID-19 on April 3, 2020. We continue to advocate for revisions to eligibility requirements for the national and provincial programs to include more businesses, as well,” said Don Anderson, General Manager of the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation.
The aggregate results will be analyzed by the Sarnia-Lambton COVID-19 Business and Economic Taskforce to make determinations on actions to help businesses with some of their immediate needs as well as developing action plans for support and recovery. The Taskforce consists of key regional organizations that are meeting twice per week to address issues and challenges that have been identified by the business community and to formulate plans for economic recovery. For a complete list of Taskforce members, please visit HERE.
Posted in: SLEP News