Cowichan Business Pulse Survey Community Futures Cowichan, in partnership with the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association & Chemainus Business Improvement Association, is connecting with local businesses to better understand their challenges, opportunities, and priorities.We want to understand the real story of doing business in Cowichan. The challenges businesses are facing, the opportunities they see, and what they’re planning next. Your input will help create a reliable picture of our local economy, guide better economic development decisions, and strengthen the voice of Cowichan businesses with all levels of government.Share your perspective and be entered to win $500 cash! That’s cash in your pocket to help support local.This survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes. All responses are confidential and individual business information will not be included in public reporting without permission. About Your Business Question Title * 1. Which industry best describes your business? Select one. Agriculture and food production Forestry and wood products Manufacturing Construction and trades Retail Tourism, hospitality, and food services Professional and business services Technology Transportation and logistics Arts, culture, and creative industries Non-profit or social enterprise Other (please specify) Question Title * 2. How many people currently work in your business? Include owners and employees. Self-employed 1-4 employees 5-9 employees 10-19 employees 20-49 employees 50 or more employees Your Business Challenges Question Title * 3. What is the biggest challenge holding your business back right now? Select up to 3. Finding or retaining employees Employee skills or training Increasing costs Cash flow or financing Finding customers Marketing or sales Permits, regulations, or government processes Finding suitable land or business space Housing, childcare, or transportation Access to suppliers Technology or productivity Succession or ownership transition Economic uncertainty No significant challenges Other (please specify) Question Title * 4. Please tell us more about your most important challenge. Your Business Opportunities Question Title * 5. What is the biggest opportunity you would like to pursue in the next 12-24 months? Please select all that apply. Prepare for succession or a change in ownership Reach new markets Export outside of Canada Improve productivity Hire more employees Start a new business Diversify the business Expand or relocate Increase sales Purchase equipment No expansion plans at this time Adopt a new technology Develop a new product or service Other (please specify) Question Title * 6. What is preventing you from moving forward? Doing Business in Cowichan Question Title * 7. What is one change that would make it easier to operate or grow a business in Cowichan? Select the area that matters most. Faster or simpler permitting More commercial or industrial space Better transportation or infrastructure More reliable internet or utilities Improved access to workers More workforce housing More childcare Better access to training Greater awareness of business programs More opportunities for local purchasing Strong connections among local business Other (please specify) Question Title * 8. Please describe the change you would like to see. Support and Connections Question Title * 9. What support, resource, or connection would help your business most? Select all that apply. Employee recruitment Productivity improvement Mentorship or peer networking Help navigating permits or regulations Business planning or advice Introductions to suppliers or customers Marketing and sales Business financing Export or market development I am not looking for support right now Succession planning Technology adoption Grants and government programs Employee training Other (please specify) How Can We Help? Question Title * 10. Would you like Community Futures Cowichan or one of our partners to follow up with you? Yes, please contact me - Community Futures Cowichan Yes, please contact me - Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Yes, please contact me - Chemainus and District Chamber of Commerce Yes, please contact me - Downtown Duncan Business Improvement Association Yes, please contact me - Chemainus Business Improvement Association Perhaps - send me relevant information No follow up is needed Question Title * 11. Business Name Question Title * 12. Contact Name Question Title * 13. Email Address (Required.) Question Title * 14. Phone Number Question Title * 15. Is there anything else you would like us to know? Thank You Community Futures Cowichan will use the combined survey results to identify common business priorities, connect businesses with resources, and develop practical recommendations for community partners and decision-makers.All responses are confidential and individual business information will not be included in public reporting without permission.Cash winner will be contacted by Community Futures Cowichan after the survey period is complete. Done
