4. How supportive is the community of a new local business development? *

a. Very supportive — residents actively seek out and promote local businesses

b. Somewhat supportive — there is general openness but limited follow-through

c. Neutral — I have not noticed strong support or opposition

d. Somewhat unsupportive — many residents prefer to shop outside the community

e. Very unsupportive — there is little appetite for new business growth

f. Unsure / I don't know

6. What do you think is the single most important thing we could do to give youth a reason to stay or return to the South Shore? (Select one) *

a. Create more local career and employment opportunities

b. Develop more affordable housing options

c. Build a stronger social and cultural scene for young people

d. Improve access to post-secondary education or skills training locally

e. Invest in recreation, arts, and entertainment options

f. Support entrepreneurship and startup opportunities

g. Improve public transportation and regional connectivity

h. Attract anchor employers or industries to the region

i. Other (please specify below)

If other, please specify here (youth attraction/retention)

7. Do you feel the South Shore does a good job of telling its economic success story? *

8. If you chose 'no' or 'somewhat' for Question 7, where do you think the gap is? *

If other, please specify (gaps)

9. What is one South Shore success story you think deserves more attention? *

Are you a business owner? *

4. Where are the majority of your sales or revenues generated? (Select one) *Choose the option that best reflects where your customers or clients are located.

Section 2: Workforce & Retention

8. How significant are the following workforce challenges for your business? (Rate each)
1 - Not a challenge 2 - Minor 3 - Moderate 4 - Significant
Skip this question if you have no employees.

a. Finding qualified applicants

b. Retaining employees long-term

c. Competing with wages offered elsewhere

d. Housing availability for workers

e. Access to childcare for employees

f. Attracting younger workers or recent graduates

g. Transportation or commute barriers for workers

9. What would make the biggest difference in keeping and attracting workers to our region? *

Section 3: Youth & Pathways

10. Does your business currently offer any of the following to young people? (Select all that apply) *

Co-op placements

Apprenticeships or trades training

Summer or part-time youth employment

Mentorship or job shadowing

Internships or post-secondary practicums

None of the above, but I would be open to it

None of the above, and it is not applicable to my business

Section 3B: Youth Entrepreneurship Program

A regional youth entrepreneurship program is being explored for the South Shore. The concept would provide at-risk or directionless youth (ages 15–25) with hands-on rotational experience across multiple sectors (construction, hospitality, retail, trades, etc.), personal development support, and a pathway to business ownership — including zero-interest startup funding and ongoing mentorship. Graduates would in turn mentor the next cohort, creating a self-sustaining cycle.

How would you describe your level of interest in this initiative? (Select one) *

Very interested — this addresses a real gap and I would want to be involved

Somewhat interested — I'd like to learn more before committing

Neutral — I can see the value but it isn't directly relevant to my business

Not interested — this isn't something I would participate in

Unsure — I don't have enough information to say

Section 4: Red Tape & Business Environment

13. In the past two years, have regulatory, permitting, or approval processes slowed or discouraged business activity for you? (Select one) *

Yes — significantly, and it had a real impact on my business

Yes — somewhat, but I was able to work through it

Not really — minor friction but nothing significant

No — processes were reasonable and clear

I have not needed to navigate these processes recently

14. If yes, where did you encounter the most friction? (Select all that apply) *

Municipal permitting or zoning

Provincial licensing or regulation

Federal compliance requirements

Inconsistency between municipalities

Lack of clear guidance or communication from government

Slow response times or long approval delays

Other (please specify below)

If other, please specify (red tape encounter not listed above)

15. What one change to the regulatory environment would have the greatest positive impact on your business or sector? *

Section 5: Communication & Regional Identity

16. How well-connected do you currently feel to other businesses and sectors on the South Shore? (Select one)

Very isolated — I have little connection to other businesses in the region

Somewhat isolated — I know a few others but feel disconnected from the broader community

Neutral — I have some connections but nothing consistent

Fairly connected — I regularly interact with other local businesses

Very well connected — I am actively engaged in regional business networks

Section 6: The Alliance (SSEA) and What Comes Next

19. What should be the South Shore Economic Alliance's top priorities? (Rank your top three by writing 1, 2, or 3 next to the option. *

a) Workforce development and retention advocacy
b) Youth pathways and career development
c) Reducing red tape and improving the business environment
d) Building regional communication and networking tools
e) Attracting new investment and businesses to the region
f) Promoting the South Shore's identity and economic success story
g) Facilitating collaboration between businesses and sectors
h) Supporting affordable housing and infrastructure development

20. How would you prefer to engage with the Alliance? (Select all that apply) *

Attend in-person events or roundtables

Receive a regular newsletter or updates by email

Participate in sector-specific working groups

Access a business directory or resource hub

Engage via social media or online community

I prefer to stay informed but not actively participate

21. Is there anything else you would like the South Shore Economic Alliance to know as it shapes its priorities? *

This is the end of the survey.

THANK YOU Your input is invaluable.

Results will be shared with the community. If you'd like to stay connected with the Alliance, please leave your contact information below (optional). Those who leave their contact information will be entered into a draw for prizes.

Full Name

Business / Organization Name

Community Stream

Business & Entrepreneur Stream