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FORT McMURRAY — Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism is asking businesses across the region to help shape a new strategy aimed at improving conditions for local companies and reducing barriers to growth.
The organization has launched a business survey as part of its Business Retention and Expansion Strategy, an initiative designed to gather feedback from employers, entrepreneurs and industry groups operating throughout the region.
Officials say the strategy is intended to identify challenges businesses face in their day-to-day operations while helping guide future supports, programs and policy decisions.
The survey is open to a wide range of business operators, including contractors, suppliers, Indigenous-owned businesses, tourism and hospitality operators, retailers, service providers and small business owners.
Economic Development and Tourism officials say underrepresented business owners are also being encouraged to participate.
The organization says all responses will remain confidential, with only broader themes and trends being publicly shared.
The strategy process began earlier this year with interviews and discussions held between late February and March.
The online business survey opened in early April and will remain available through late May, followed by theme-based focus groups running from mid-May through late June.
Community updates summarizing the feedback and outlining next steps are expected to be released in July.
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism says the initiative is intended to create practical changes for local businesses by identifying operational challenges and areas where additional support may be needed.
Officials say businesses participating in the process can expect “respectful conversations” focused on real-world obstacles slowing growth and operations in the region.
The organization says the strategy will only succeed if the feedback gathered leads to measurable action and improvements for businesses operating in Wood Buffalo.
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