How is your business doing? It’s been a while since we last asked that question – 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.

We are thrilled to welcome Storify Therapy Services to our business community!

The co-founders and clinical directors of Storify Therapy Services are April Jordan and Janet Arsenault. April and Janet have been working in the field of mental health and addictions for over 20 years.

The goal is to give attention to each person's story as it is shared in the context of safety, acceptance and respect. As therapists, they help make meaning of each unique story and assist with authoring new chapters of growth, healing, hope and understanding.

Storify Therapy Services provides a unique therapeutic experience to clients in the south Calgary and Foothills region. The priority of Storify is being a community minded practice that understands the needs of the people, their stories, and rural service delivery.

Learn more

YOUR'E INVITED!
Grand Opening Celebration
Storify Therapy Services (31 Southridge Drive)
Thursday, September 21
11am

Hello! My name is Lola Swanson and I am the Founder and Creative Director of Full Circle Movement Studios in Okotoks.

In January 2020, I hung up my performing touring shoes after 16 years to pursue teaching full-time; after the pandemic, I relocated to Okotoks with the intention of opening a studio in 5 years. I saw the opportunity to pursue this goal sooner and am now the proud founder and creative director of Full Circle Movement Studios in the heart of downtown Okotoks. Myself and my crew curate inclusive, connected and intentional fitness and social wellness for folks that might not have seen themselves in the fitness industry before. Full Circle celebrates diversity, community & autonomy by offering choice-based classes in Pilates, Yoga, Barre, Mindful Strength, Dance & more!

Full Circle offers a wide range of group fitness, small group and 1:1 coaching/training for folks looking for integrated physical and social wellness. We offer mat and equipment Pilates, a wide range of Yoga teachings, and Barre fitness, strength training and dance. We host private group parties/team building and fun pop-up events with guest instructors and local vendors.

I moved to Okotoks from Vancouver to be closer to my family, and I was surprised to see that I landed in one of the best towns! The community here has welcomed me and my business with compassion, support and enthusiasm that makes me feel I belong here every day!

Contact Info:
Full Circle Movement Studios
200 - 44 Riverside Gate
Okotoks, AB T1S 1M3
587-757-1673
info@fullcirclemovementstudios.com
www.fullcirclemovementstudios.com

The goal of “Business Spotlight/Success Stories” is to promote local business and help the community learn more about the awesome businesses in Okotoks! This program is open to all businesses located in Okotoks and who hold a valid business licence.

Learn more

Find out what is happening around the community and region!

Business Survey Results & Next Steps In-person Discussion
Thursday, September 21
7:30-9pm
The Corner Coworking
#210, 23 Riverside Drive

Small Business Month - Speed Networking Event
Tuesday, September 26
7-9pm
Big Beaver Brewing Ltd.
#1013, 200 Southridge Drive
Presented by Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce

Learn more & purchase your event ticket

Community Events

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Construction

Procurement Opportunities

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