Economic Development in Sumter County/City of Americus Survey

In support of a nonprofit program to analyze and develop economic development opportunities for the City of Americus and Sumter County, please take a moment to complete a brief questionnaire targeted to local businesses owners. Your feedback is critical in helping to shape the future of commerce across the city and will be used to make recommendations to key local and statewide leaders. All responses are anonymous and requested by January 28th.

1. Which of the following categories best classifies your business?

Which of the following categories best classifies your business? Food/restaurant

Retail

Health care

Service (dry cleaner, barber shop, etc.)

Professional office (attorney, accountant, consultant)

Industrial/Manufacturing

Other (please specify)

2. Is your business located within the City of Americus?

Is your business located within the City of Americus? Yes, within the City of Americus but not the Downtown District

Yes, within the Downtown District

3. How many employees does your business have?

How many employees does your business have? Full time
Part time

4. Did you seek assistance from the City of Americus or Sumter County in starting your business?

Did you seek assistance from the City of Americus or Sumter County in starting your business? Yes

If so, what type?

5. Do you think Sumter County/City of Americus has been successful in its economic development?

Do you think Sumter County/City of Americus has been successful in its economic development? Yes

No opinion

Why or why not?

6. Are there any local characteristics, policies or procedures that adversely affect your ability to conduct or grow your business in Sumter County/City of Americus?

Are there any local characteristics, policies or procedures that adversely affect your ability to conduct or grow your business in Sumter County/City of Americus? Yes

No opinion

If yes, could you describe which local characteristics/policies/procedures have the most negative effect on your ability to conduct business in Americus?

7. Is there anything the leaders of Americus or Sumter County could do that would help you support your existing business or help expand your business?

Is there anything the leaders of Americus or Sumter County could do that would help you support your existing business or help expand your business? Yes

No opinion

If yes, what could local leaders do to help you expand your business?

8. Which of the following business is most important for fostering economic development in Sumter County/City of Americus? For each of the following, please rank from 1 to 4 where 1 is what you consider “most important” and 4 is what you consider “least important.”

Helping businesses currently located in here maintain and grow their operations.

Helping businesses located elsewhere relocate here.

Helping entrepreneurs create new businesses here.

Helping residents create home-based businesses.

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9. What are your ideas to help make Sumter County/City of Americus more attractive to new and existing small businesses? (Please list up to three ideas)

What are your ideas to help make Sumter County/City of Americus more attractive to new and existing small businesses? (Please list up to three ideas)

10. Would you be willing to share your business name?

Would you be willing to share your business name? Yes

Would you be willing to answer follow up questions? If yes, please provide contact information.