Small Business Week is a time to show support to local businesses, and after a trying year for many small businesses in the community dealing with COVID-19, many have shown their resiliency.
Like most of the world, the Community was stunned in March of this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the effects will be long-lasting, many have been able to pivot.
“I think businesses have struggled, but I think a lot have come through quite valiantly. They have found ways to change with the time,’ said Michael Love business analyst at Community Futures Big Country. “It is an adversity that the manuals never talk about, a system-wide shut down of business.”
He saw many businesses adapt including offering takeout, curbside delivery, even online shopping experiences through social media.
We saw people doing virtual tours, not shopping online, but shopping through video conferencing,” said Love.
He said service-oriented businesses had unique challenges.
“I think people offering a service, those people will never get the time back,” he said. “For a restaurant, you can order takeout, you can’t necessarily order a takeout haircut.”
Community Futures Big Country was at the forefront when the pandemic began offering its knowledge, service, and programs and was looking after the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund program. It also is now offering a business services voucher program.
“If your business has to change as a result of COVID, you complete a recovery adaptation plan and we can fund certain relief measures,’ explained Love. “It is for things like accounting expense, or if you want to take educational upgrading, or get equipment repaired or install equipment, these are things we can support.”
The pandemic brought a shift in how to do business, and some of those might be positive.
“We could really benefit from the uncoupling of geography and work. We are in an accessible real estate market, and for the opportunity for people to bring their remote work here, it could be a game-changer,” said Love.
The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce was also at the forefront of the pandemic working to connect business with knowledge and resources. Office and Chamber Services coordinator Marley Henneigh said many businesses took advantage of the supports.
“We at the Chamber were quite busy here earlier in the year, probably from when things hit here in March until probably the end of June,” she said.
“There were a lot of resources available in town, and the Town of Drumheller were quite helpful with items they provided to businesses, such as the Plexiglas shields, and the social distancing stickers.”
As the community began to emerge after the initial shutdown she saw entrepreneurs showing their flexibility.
It was also an opportunity for businesses that were shut down to do renovations, such as Sandstone Lanes and Vintage.
One pleasant surprise for the business community was the rebound of the tourism industry. Drumheller continued to be a destination for travellers. The Tyrrell Museum’s shift to online booking may have spurred more interest in stepping downtown.
“I talked to visitors who came for day trips who were looking to get out of the city based on Drumheller being very open spacious and scenic,” she said. Of course, we are always glad to have visitors no matter how long they stay.”
The industry is hopeful to see if this will continue beyond the traditional season.
“We are interested to see how the winter goes. With some Albertans not being able to go south this winter so far, if they are going to be staying in the province to travel or we may see more interprovincial travel. I know we saw visitors from all over Canada this summer, but especially from BC and Saskatchewan, it will be interesting to see if they keep coming over the winter and find things to do."
