Business Walks survey returns to evaluate local needs

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Community Futures Wild Rose and the Town of Strathmore are aiming to connect with local businesses and build a framework to address local needs.

Also involved are Prospect Human Services and the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce, participating in carrying out a Business Walks survey. 

“We are just trying to hear how the businesses are doing and learning if there are any certain needs that they have, and we are also going to be sharing information (with) the town,” said Angela Groeneveld, senior manager of economy, stability and investment with the Town of Strathmore. “(The survey) questions are basically just reaching out to ask how things are going and what are some hurdles, and … just touching base and letting them know all of the services and resources available to them.”

Approximately every four years, the Town of Strathmore commits to a business needs assessment, for which a third party is hired to do a deep dive analyzing local business and industry. 

Groeneveld explained the last one was in 2023. The goal is effectively to retain and sustain the local business community.

“We as the government are connected to federal and provincial resources. We are constantly learning resources and then our job is to communicate those to the business owners,” she said. “Also, if there are any hurdles that have a common denominator, our politicians from our MLA to our MP, to our local politicians, they all like to know that from an advocacy side too.”

Despite the fact that ensuring local businesses are adequately staffed is not technically a government responsibility, the issue does fall under economic development to help connect businesses with hiring resources, and inversely, encourage events such as job fairs. 

The business walks survey closed May 8, which consisted of an online platform for local enterprises to submit their needs and feedback.

Team members representing the partnership will be on the ground speaking to business owners May 20 and May 27 between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the respective days. 

Periodic surveys such as these help organizations such as the town and Community Futures Wild Rose to measure local success as well as to develop action plans to encourage future growth and success.

“Common trends are workforce right now, and cost of operations. The cost of running a business is being passed on to the consumer. As an example, just trying to buy groceries or just trying to buy retail, we see the cost of living going up everywhere,” said Groeneveld. “All of these business owners, for them to be buying anything that they are selling, even services, if they are selling services, the cost has gone up and that is a big supply chain issue.”

Among the common needs of businesses in places such as Strathmore is the need for stronger marketing and promotion.

More information regarding the surveys is available through the Town of Strathmore and Community Futures Wild Rose.