The Business Information and Connections Program was established in 2021 by the Economic Development and Tourism Department and aims to engage local businesses to collect vital business climate data and build and maintain these important relationships. Insights gained from the annual survey identifies and tracks local challenges and successes of the business community and informs the departments work plan and program development.
The 2023/2024 Survey is in partnership with the Smiths Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, Smiths Falls and Area Small Business Advisory Centre, Valley Heartland CFDC and the Smiths Falls Downtown Business Association, and was developed and administered through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
Take the Annual Business Survey now!
Thank you to all the business that participate.
Every year insights and feedback obtained through the survey is reviewed and provided to Council and the community. You can view past annual reports and highlights.
Report Highlights:
- 72 Business participated, being 19% of total business community.
- Businesses are back to full operational capacity and seeing increased traffic.
- 24 New Businesses opened.
- 95% are Happy Doing Business in Smiths Falls (increase from last year)
- 68% increased or maintained revenue levels over last year (9% increase)
- The majority of local jobs (65%) continue to be full-time permanent positions.
- Workforce and increased operational costs continue to be top challenges
Report Highlights"
- 28 businesses (84) completed the survey
- 90% of Business are happy or very happy doing business here
- 36% increased profits over 2020
-19 new businesses opened
-37% reported increased operational costs were their business challenge
- the majority of businesses would like more communications and information
For more information about the Business Information and Connection Program, to provide feedback or learn more about program and services to support local businesses please contact Julia Crowder, Manager of Economic Development at jcrowder@smithsfalls.caor 613-283-4124 x 1107
