What makes St. Albert, St. Albert?
You might think about our green spaces, city amenities and your friends and neighbours to answer that question. But does it also make you think about the businesses big and small that help make St. Albert a vibrant place to live? This year, more than ever, we all should be thinking about our local businesses as we celebrate Small Business Week here in St. Albert and all across Canada.
You've undoubtedly frequented one or more of this city's small enterprises, whether you've stopped in at one of the many eateries on Perron St. for lunch or shopped for clothes at the local, independent boutiques. Perhaps you've hired a local contractor to renovate your home or fix your plumbing.
Starting a business is no small feat, and keeping it going during regular years – never mind during a public health crisis – requires resourcefulness, creativity and tenacity. It also requires having a vision and the passion to make that vision a reality.
Small businesses have taken a beating this year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most closed their doors for at least a short period when Alberta closed down its economy in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Some haven't reopened.
A May survey from the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce and the city's economic development department found almost half of the 149 St. Albert businesses that responded said they saw their revenues drop between 20 and 40 per cent. Most businesses said they had to change how their businesses operate.
A Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report from September showed most businesses are fully or partially open again, but the vast majority have reduced staffing levels. Sixty-eight per cent were bringing in less revenue than usual for this time of year, with 46 per cent bringing in half or less of their usual revenues.
In Alberta, 19 per cent of independent businesses were actively considering winding down their operations or declaring bankruptcy, and 35 per cent said they would last less than a year with their current revenues.
Small businesses are major employers in Canada, and major contributors to our economy. But they are also the lifeblood of our small towns and cities, helping to build strong communities. Last year, St. Albert business retention and expansion manager Nicole Pearson estimated about 98 per cent of businesses in the city are considered small businesses.
It is clear we would not have a thriving community without a thriving business sector. Those businesses, while strengthening our community, require a group effort in order to stay strong themselves. They give back in myriad ways, employing St. Albertans, sponsoring our sports, arts and cultural programs, donating to the agencies that support our less fortunate. They deserve our support as a community in return, not just during Small Business Week or the pandemic, but every week. Don’t just miss them when they’re gone.
