Chatham-Kent Economic Development has launched an online survey to engage local business owners and entrepreneurs regarding their thoughts on developing a Business Incubator and Accelerator Program.
The results of the survey will be important for creating a well-designed program that addresses local needs and provides Chatham-Kent entrepreneurs with a platform on which they can realize success faster.
“There has been growing interest recently in offering this type of program and we want to ensure it is designed in a way that fits the unique needs of the Chatham-Kent business community,” said Andrew Tompsett, Marketing and Communications Officer with Chatham-Kent Economic Development, in a media release.
“There has been a lot of interest in co-location services, but we need to better understand the depth of this type of service in order to best provide a space that nurtures the development of new business.”
The most common goals of incubation programs are creating jobs in a community, enhancing a community’s entrepreneurial climate, retaining businesses in a community, building or accelerating growth in a local industry, and diversifying local economies.
“Of course it is more than just about shared workspace, it’s about looking at giving businesses a chance to jumpstart their growth by providing tools such as mentorship and access to financial options,” said Tompsett.
“I’ve been in discussion with several successful business leaders who are eager to share their knowledge and help those starting or growing their business avoid some of the challenges they encountered.”
The survey is open to anyone, including those who may not yet have a business but are thinking about developing one.
By completing the survey, participants will be helping to design an ecosystem where budding entrepreneurs can thrive and succeed.
The survey is available online now and will be open until March 22, 2019. To complete the survey, please visit www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca.
