The City of Prince George is looking to get in touch with its small business community in an effort to improve support programs and services.
Local small business owners and managers are being encouraged to take part in an in-person survey to directly meet with City staff as part of the Business Insights 2018 outreach initiative. Key factors the survey is looking to hit are:
- the local economy;
- workforce and business trends and challenges;
- expansion and market opportunities; and
- potential investment attraction ideas.
“Business Insights 2018 aims to learn first-hand from stakeholders about the key priorities the City should focus on in 2019 to ensure that Prince George maintains a positive business environment. This year, the goal is to meet with more than 60 businesses from sectors where small business is the main employer. This survey is a way to gather information and examine our strong and challenging areas to ensure City programming and services meet the needs of the business community,” explained Melissa Barcellos, Manager of Economic Development, in a statement.
“Small business plays a critical role in driving employment and generating investment in Prince George. The City works collaboratively with its partners, such as the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Fraser Fort George to support an environment where local businesses will continue to thrive and grow.”
Surveys have begun and will continue through the fall. Barcellos says a report will tentatively be completed by the end of 2018.
About 98% of all BC businesses are small businesses, according to the British Columbia Government’s Small Business Profile 2017. The Province defines a small business as one with either fewer than 50 employees or a business operated by a person who is self-employed and without paid help.