A city of Quesnel survey showed seven per cent of businesses in the city are at risk of shutting down.
The results from the survey, which polled 291 of Quesnel’s 713 licensed businesses, were shared with city council during their April 20 meeting by Amy Reid, the manager of economic development and tourism.
“Generally, we have a positive picture relative to what we’re hearing around the province, but I do want to recognize we do have some businesses that are really hurting,” she told council before presenting her report.
Around a third of businesses who answered the call from the support hotline said business was down, but they were adjusting and 37 per cent said business did go down, but has picked up again. A quarter of business say sales have increased.
The calls were conducted by Quesnel’s business support hotline, which was established in April of 2020. Businesses were also quizzed on what kinds of support they received, or need.
READ MORE: Quesnel businesses can access new support hotline
Only 23 per cent of those who answered were eligible for a provincial grant, with more receiving federal support. Some businesses were referred to Community Futures for local support.
Reid noted many businesses that were doing well didn’t answer survey questions.
Coun. Laurey-Anne Roodenburg noted the hotline has been active for over a year and has been a massive success.
“This program has been truly amazing,” she told Reid. “As a community, we’ve been recognized several times for this program, so kudos to you and the rest of the crew.”
The city is in the middle of a similar survey checking in on non-profit organizations in Quesnel.
READ MORE: COUNCIL BRIEFS: A packed meeting
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