How is your business doing? Itβs been a while since we last asked that question β over 6 years in fact. Well, maybe not exactly 6 years, as your business might have received a survey or two during COVID, but it has been over 6 years since the Town conducted a business survey.
So what is a business survey, and more importantly, why were you asked to fill it out? At its core, this survey was purposefully designed to capture the satisfaction level of your business. Beyond just satisfaction, and most importantly, you were able to tell us the issues that are most pressing to your business, such as affordable housing, availability of space for lease and the costs of doing business. The survey also explored the dynamics of your business, such as:
- Future of your business: your intention to sell or your lease expectations
- How you want to receive communications: two-thirds or respondents prefer email
- What you access Economic Development for: information & connections
Some highlights of what respondents indicated:
- 36% have run their business in Okotoks for 10+ years
- 84% are satisfied with operating a business in Okotoks
- The top 3 priorities were:
1. affordable housing
2. local regulations/processes
3. the cost to doing business
These results paint a unique picture of the local Okotoks economy. The information provides us with a benchmark that we plan to incorporate into our forthcoming Economic Development Strategy. This strategy will guide us on how to best address the concerns captured in the data.
Our intention going forward is to complete a business survey each year. So, next year when you get asked to fill out a brief survey, please take the 10-15 minutes to do so; it helps us help you, and we sincerely appreciate it!
If you would like to learn more about the 2023 business survey results, how the information was collected and what we plan to do with the information, please check out the Business Survey What We Heard Report or:
Join us!
Business Survey Results & Next Steps In-person Discussion
Thursday, September 21, 7:30-9pm
The Corner Coworking
#210, 23 Riverside Drive
Registration is required; please contact us at ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca to book your spot! Light refreshments provided.