Introduction

The City of Salem is conducting a survey to obtain information regarding the existing business inventory to support the Salem Downtown Plan, which is currently in development. The City of Salem is in the planning phases of applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, to help fund downtown improvements. The purpose of this survey is to obtain basic business information; identify key opportunities and challenges for conducting business downtown; and to determine the level of interest among business owners and merchants in participating in the planning process.

Your participation in the survey is not required, but is strongly encouraged. You may leave your name off the form if you wish to remain anonymous. For additional information or if you have questions please contact Benjamin Tripp, City Planner, City of Salem at 540-375-3007. Thank you for your assistance in this process!

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* 1. Please enter the following information about your business.

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* 2. How would you best classify your business?

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* 3. What is the form of your business?

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* 4. Does your business own or rent your space?

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* 5. If you rent or lease your business space, enter the following information about the building owner.

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* 6. Estimate your monthly overhead costs

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* 7. What is the estimated square footage being used for the business?

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* 8. What is the estimated square footage available for use?

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* 9. What are the parking options at your business (choose all that apply)?

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* 10. How long have you been in business?

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* 11. How long has your business been at its present location?

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* 12. Estimate your gross annual sales/business receipts (circle best circle).

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* 13. In the past year my business' gross sales have...

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* 14. In the past 5 years my business' gross sales/receipts have...

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* 15. What is the total number of employees (including you) at your business?

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* 16. Estimate your average number of weekly clients/customers.

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* 17. What are your hours of operation?

  Opening Closing Closed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

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* 18. What is your busiest day of the week?

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* 19. What are your busiest months of the year?

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* 20. How does your business plan to change its operations over the next 2 years (circle best choice)?

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* 21. Is your internet access and speed sufficient for your business?

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* 22. Are your current utilities sufficient for your business?

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* 23. In your opinion, what types of businesses are needed in Downtown Salem?

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* 24. If a financial assistance program for building/site improvements was available to downtown property owners, such as low interest loans/grant programs, would you be interested in participating?

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* 25. What aspects do you feel need improvement in Downtown Salem (circle all that apply)?

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* 26. Please include any additional comments about current or future commerce in Downtown Salem.

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