The business community in Port Stephens has an opportunity to have a say on what's working and what they would like to see improved as part of the second Port Stephens Business Health Check.
Running from 3 to 31 May 2021, the online survey takes just 10 minutes to complete and provides a valuable snapshot of the current business environment.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer is encouraging business owners and managers to take part.
"We know businesses in our community have been through a tough time in the past 12 months thanks to COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions," Mayor Palmer said.
"There's never been a more important time for us to take the pulse of our business community and ensure we're planning for the future.
"We also want to hear about your experiences with the workforce and how you see the future of your business and others in Port Stephens.
"Feedback will help us prioritise actions in our Economic Development and Tourism Strategy as well as advocate for more funding, investment and programs that benefit local business.
"The more we know about local businesses, the better decisions we can make to support and grow our economy," he said.
Council's Economic Development Specialist Deb Rodden says the last survey provided invaluable data to help create positive change for business.
"In our in 2018 survey, we heard businesses wanted better networking opportunities to build local connections and that we could engage more with our local schools to secure our future workforce. We also heard lifestyle is a key attraction for the workforce in Port Stephens," Ms Rodden said.
"This time around, we've made the online survey shorter to ensure even more businesses can have their say and help us plan for the future. Over the next few weeks, we'll be out and about encouraging businesses large and small to participate.
"Whatever your business — whether you're operating out of your home or a multi-national company — we want to hear from you.
"Individual information and comments will be confidential but the data will be used to provide a valuable resource to both Council and local business.
"The more businesses that participate, the more we learn and the more we can help — so I would encourage anyone involved in business in Port Stephens to get involved," she said.
The Port Stephens Business Health Check is open until 31 May 2021 and can be completed at surveymonkey.com/r/N3HCLL8
