Now that many businesses have been given the go-ahead to start reopening their doors to the public, work is being ramped up to make sure they are open in time to make up for the losses the pandemic created.
Many businesses may need support in order to reopen and remain resilient during the economic recovery, and a local survey aims to indicate what support is needed.
"The Business Recovery Survey allows us to hear first-hand from Vernon business owners so we can better understand their needs and inform the next step, which is a Business Recovery Strategy," says Community Futures North Okanagan general manager Leigha Horsfield.
The survey is being conducted through Vision North Okanagan, which is a collaboration between a number of North Okanagan organizations with the common goal of local business success.
"The pandemic has impacted certain sectors more than others," says Kevin Poole, manager of economic development and tourism at the City of Vernon.
"By surveying a cross-section of local employers we’ll be able to obtain key information including anticipated employment impacts, the uptake of federal and provincial business support programs as well as what measures can be done at a local level to better assist in business recovery efforts."
Businesses in Vernon can expect to be contacted within the next couple weeks by a member of the VNO, who will ask them questions over the phone.
The survey has less than 20 questions and is designed to make it as easy as possible for businesses to share their experiences.
"The results from this survey will inform the Business Recovery Strategy so we can respond quickly to the needs of local businesses,” says Susan Lehman, executive director of the Downtown Vernon Association.
"The strategy is expected to be shared in June."
