THUNDER BAY — Several area organizations are working to document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses in Thunder Bay and district communities.
The first of a series of monthly surveys was launched online on Monday.
Participants are asked to rank the level of risk that COVID-19 poses to their long-term prospeccts, ranging from "this could put us out of business" to "none".
Other questions in the five-minute questionnaire relate to specific impacts such as employment levels, operating hours and other changes – including any innovative steps the business has taken.
The survey also asks about the participants' level of awareness of various government assistance programs, and how helpful these programs are.
The project is a joint initiative of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, and the Northern Policy Institute.
"We need to know what our businesses need – now, and as time progresses," said chamber president Charla Robinson.
"We want to help the government develop supports that make sense for our region's specific needs. To be effective, we need businesses of all sizes to tell us what those needs are as they are evolving," Robinson said.
The three organizations said it's important for participants to complete the survey each month, to show how the effects of COVID-19 change over time.
Information collected in the questionnaire may also be used by community partners to help identify workforce and business needs.
Madge Richardson, executive director of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, said its interest is in preparing the workforce to meet "the new normal."
She said the information will help develop programs that bridge gaps between the emerging needs of employers and the existing workforce.
The survey will be conducted over the next six months at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BR2T5L8
