There continues to be a lot of growth in the business community in Quinte West.
That, according to Quinte West Chamber of Commerce CEO Suzanne Andrews.
Reflecting on the year that was 2023, Andrews says they’ve welcomed more than 30 new businesses this year.
“Certainly, for our organization, you know, that is definitely one of the highlights. Just seeing, you know, that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and people are taking advantage of the opportunities that are available here in Quinte West.”
Andrews says while there have been some closures this year she notes many have been due to retirements and other businesses have filled their locations.
She says they recognized several years ago that the community was getting older and so were the business owners so in many cases the turnover was expected.
She adds there are not a lot of vacancies and more commercial spaces are being built, especially in the west end.
Also important this past year has been the development of their new strategic plan.
Andrews says updating the plan every few years gives them a chance to do a deep dive into the organization and consult with the business community and economic development stakeholders.
“Really take a good look at, you know, our role in the community and how we can do more and what we need to do to ensure that, you know, we’re supporting those small- and medium-sized enterprises that need us now more than ever.”
Andrews says under the plan, they’ll be looking at brand identity work to better reflect the diversity of businesses that now exist in Quinte West and providing more support for small- and medium-sized businesses as they adapt to the post-COVID landscape.
