The Shire of Collie is calling on local businesses of all sizes to take part in a ten-minute survey in order to better understand the sector and what support is needed.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are 1489 Australian Business Numbers registered within the Collie postcode. However, very little is known about the size and scope of most of these businesses.
The shire, in conjunction with Business South West and Operation Next Gen, is launching a survey to gather information about all businesses, not-for-profits and government organisations in Collie.
Shire president Sarah Stanley said the survey would answer questions about what business activities are currently happening in Collie and where those businesses could be going in the future.
“This anonymous data will also allow us to gauge where there are potential gaps and weaknesses so that we can target relevant resources to support our business community where it is most needed,” she said.
Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Peter Harms said it was important for as many local businesses as possible to participate in the survey in order to create an up-to-date picture of the local business sector.
“It is important that we identify what different businesses we have in the community and how they will be affected by the changes in industry,” he said.
Mr Harms said there had been a ‘constant turnover of businesses’ in Collie but that it was normal occurrence as most small businesses across the country are owned by older people who are at the stage where they are looking to retire.
He also said the turnover was a good thing for the economy as it would allow new businesses to emerge.
The survey comes just weeks after Wesfarmers announced its intention to close the Collie Target Country store in October as part of the organisation’s plans to reduce its number of stores across the country.
Mr Harms said Wesfarmers decision opened up the opportunity for another enterprise to enter the market and fill the gap.
Physio South West’s Jasmine Hulls said the survey was helpful for business owners to reflect.
“It was actually a really worthwhile exercise to do,” said she said.
“It made me think and review parts of our business that I hadn’t thought of for a while and gave me some great reflection time.”
A link to the online survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CollieBusiness.
Printed copies of the survey are available at the Shire of Collie and Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices.
The survey closes on July 1. For further information, contact Jasmine Porter at Business South West on 9791 2666 or Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 718.
