Business owners asked to complete survey for Bruce County Economic Task Force

Businesses across Bruce County – and the world – have reduced their operating hours, sent employees home, and shut their doors to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To support economic stabilization, recovery, and eventual growth, Bruce County is launching an Economic Task Force.

The Task Force is made up of economic development professionals, business owners, local stakeholders, and municipal staff – all with a mandate to support businesses and guide Bruce County to a thriving economy once again.

Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan says to Bruce County’s business community: “I know this is an extraordinarily difficult time. I know you are concerned for your livelihood, for your families – I am concerned, too. The Economic Task Force, led by Kara Van Myall, Director of Planning and Development and Bruce County’s team of economic development professionals, is hard at work to help you navigate this crisis.”

The first priority for the Task Force is to understand – using quantitative data – the impact of COVID-19 on local business operations. A monthly survey has been developed for all business owners in Bruce County; results will be used by the Task Force to develop direct supports to help businesses as well as to advocate to other levels of government for the urgent needs of our business community.

Bruce County is also expanding current supports to local businesses, including:

• Online business seminars to learn how to navigate a rapidly changing business environment, adopt new business models, and find support

• A resource database to help business owners navigate the extensive, ever-changing information and supports around COVID-19

• Free business consultations where our staff can help you navigate options for your business (using technology to conduct meetings over the phone, by video chat, or through email)

A monthly survey has been developed for all business owners in Bruce County: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BruceCountyCOVID-19.

All business owners are encouraged to complete the monthly survey and access support at: brucecounty.on.ca/economictaskforce.