Town waives 2020 business license fees
By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter
The Town of Strathmore has waived the 2020 business license fees and will be issuing in-town business licenses at no charge.
This is the first year the town has ever waived the cost of the business license fees. Previously, the fee was $100 for an in-town business license and $200 for an out-of-town business license, which remains the same.
“This ultimately starts with council’s strategic priorities, which includes promoting economic and business grown in Strathmore,” said Ty Tomasta, communications ambassador with the town. “This initiative is one way that council is delivering on this priority.”
Last year, about 600 in-town and 300 out-of-town business licenses were issued, supplying the town with a total business license revenue of $101,835.
Several challenges were present while creating the 2020 budget, and both administration and council worked to find creative policies to potentially draw in new businesses to Strathmore and to support current local businesses. The waiving of the business license fee for 2020 was one of the policies set forth to encourage business growth.
The Town of Strathmore has planned several initiatives for 2020 to help grow the business community, and to encourage economic growth and business longevity.
“There are multiple ways planned to help support local businesses. We have tactics that are being put into place like the shop local campaign #EvenMoreStrathmore,” said Tomasta. He added that the town has also launched a new economic development website that includes tools for businesses or for people who are considering business opportunities in Strathmore.
All Strathmore businesses are required to have a current business license. In the past, business licenses and invoices have been mailed out at the same time for existing businesses to pay and display. This year, no business licenses and invoices will be automatically mailed out to any existing business.
To obtain a current 2020 business license, business owners must either visit the town office or contact development services via phone or by emailing development@strathmore.ca to request their license.
For new businesses, business license applications are available on the Town of Strathmore website and can be filled out and either dropped off at the office or emailed to development services.
Currently, no decision has been made regarding 2021 business license fees.