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By Ronald Quaroni

Business Uncertainty

Prince Albert Chamber releasing survey to gauge financial status of local businesses that did not receive aid

May 12, 2020 | 12:24 PM

A local business advocate group is trying to get a sense of how business owners are positioned heading into the third month of Saskatchewan’s lockdown due to COVID-19.

The P.A. and District Chamber of Commerce is putting out a survey to hear reaction from the business community.

“There has been no survey that asks [the feelings of] those who don’t qualify for the different programs out there,” CEO of the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce Elise Hildebrandt told paNOW. “I wanted a bigger picture for our community so I could go and advocate to our Saskatchewan and Canadian Chamber’s of Commerce.”

Hildebrandt noted the survey is open to all Chamber members as well as non-members. The deadline to fill out the short survey is Wednesday, May 13.

According to Hildebrandt, most business owners who responded in an initial survey indicated they had enough savings to hold on in the short term of the pandemic. But now, she said, that message is changing.

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“Some of the businesses that have called in say, ‘Hey we need help, we need help quick. We’re going through our savings,'” she said. “Most of the businesses who responded [to the initial survey] said they would have enough in reserve for two to three months. We’re starting to hit the beginning of that third month. That’s why I want to put a rush on [the survey].”

Hildebrandt noted ahead of the phase two reopening, local shoppers could make a big difference to businesses that may be struggling.

“Right at the moment when you check local first, and buy local, you’re [helping] families survive,” she said.

One man who knows all about the importance of supporting ‘a store with a door,’ is local business owner Fred Matheson. He noted May 19 is crucial for local businesses.

“I’m hoping that it is the start of something very good,” Matheson, who owns Ted Matheson Men’s Wear said. “It’s pretty hard to be closed for any length of time, so I think this is the beginning of something good. We all need to generate revenue to pay our bills and feed our families, to continue to hire staff and contribute to the community.”

Matheson explained while they need to take advantage of the reopen, they need to do so while being as smart as possible to avoid spreading COVID-19.

“We really need to be smart and use common sense,” Matheson said.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni