Cowichan COVID-19 Business Survey #1 Results
This Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) was undertaken to assess the impact of the COVID-19 event on Cowichan business operations. The research was collectively undertaken by the CVRD and its community partners. The results have generated a Cowichan-specific snapshot that can be used to:
- Identify local business needs at a point in time
- Feed into regional economic recovery planning processes
- Allow the CVRD to lobby the Provincial Government on behalf of Cowichan businesses
- Provide data to support the work of local economic development organizations
This is the first in a series of surveys that will be launched over the coming three months to assess the progress of economic recovery within the regional district.
Key Findings:
Impacts on Cowichan Businesses
Cowichan Businesses have been sharply impacted by COVID-19.
- 56% have temporarily/indefinitely shut down
- 3% (2) of the 70 businesses surveyed have closed their doors permanently
- 62% seeing revenue reductions of at least 75%, compared with April of 2019
- 54% have reduced staff from pre COVID-19 levels
- 37% experienced disruptions to the supply chain they depend on to operate their business
Business Response
Every business surveyed has changed their business model in some way as a result of COVID-19.
- 30% have incorporated online ordering options
- 24% now offering delivery options
- 19% of businesses were allowing their workers to work remotely
Long-term Changes to Business Model
*Following COVID-19 changes to the business model that businesses intend to keep:
- 33% plan for increased participation in the digital economy/other remote ordering options
- 36% will keep increased sanitation procedures and other health precautions
- 11% expect ongoing challenges related to reduced occupancy
Greatest Challenges for Businesses/Resiliency
The greatest challenges for businesses in returning to regular business operations are:
- Consumer Confidence (32%), Financial (35%), Operational/Health & Safety (57%) *
- 41% identified that they do not have the tools be resilient to future economic shocks
Mental and Physical Wellbeing of Business Owners and Staff
*Business owners identified the ways the event has affected the well-being, both mentally and physically, of business owners (and staff). The responses have been summarized.
- 26% either feel exhausted/have no energy/overwhelmed, experience anxiety, or depression
- 31% are either stressed or very stressed, with 3% experiencing stress related illness
- 13% have been severely negatively impacted by the event
- 11% expressed that they or their staff were fearful/worried to resume work
- 29% identify no impact/minimal impact, that they are feeling resilient, or that they “now see the light at the end of the tunnel”
Vision for the Future
* “What is your vision for the community we build together as we emerge from this event?”
- 30% identified the desire to build community coming out of this crisis
- 24% want support for buying locally
- 16% is hoping that public at large will be understanding, compassionate and show kindness to the business community in light of all the struggles all are facing
Survey Dates: May 19 to 27, 2020
Results Published: June 16, 2020
* The themes identified here have been drawn from responses to open ended questions. Every effort has been made to accurately reflect the spirit of the business owners’ responses.
