×

Small business virus impact survey worthwhile endeavor

The more that’s known about a situation, the more can be done to address it.

This seems to be recognized by Upper Peninsula economic development organizations, which have released a new survey to measure the economic impact of COVID-19. The goal is to develop a better understanding of what our small businesses are facing, and what can be done to help address these specific issues, according to a recent news release.

“We are counting on our U.P. businesses to help us collect this data that will assist us in developing tools and resources of value as we continue down the road of recovery,” Amy Clickner, CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, said in a news release about the survey. “It is a good time to get another snapshot of where are businesses are and what challenges they are facing.”

A similar survey was conducted this spring, with 330 business owners and leaders from all 15 Upper Peninsula counties participating in an economic impact survey conducted by InvestUP, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works and local economic developers.

With an average business size of six to nine employees, small businesses across the region reported the following in the spring survey, according to a May Journal article:

≤ 46% had anticipated not being able to survive more than six months if some economic reopening is not permitted soon.

≤ 68% had seen changes in payroll and workforce.

≤ 50% of businesses had furloughed or temporarily laid off an average of five employees.

We are curious to see what has changed or stayed the same since the spring survey, and we commend these organizations for making an effort to reach out to business owners and get a deeper understanding of what’s happened, what’s needed and what can help.

We also strongly encourage business owners to fill out the survey as soon as possible, as the deadline for completing is 5 p.m. today.

All responses are confidential and results will only be reported in aggregate. As an incentive to participate, those who complete the survey will be entered into a $100 gift card drawing, and again, the survey deadline is 5 p.m. today. It can be found on the Update906.com website or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/upbusinesssurveyJuly.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today