Burnaby businesses cite limited parking options for customers and employees as their biggest challenge, according to the Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT).
BBOT conducted its first ever Business Walk July 14, which involved business and civic representatives going door-to-door along Burnaby’s Henning Drive and asking business owners about their concerns, challenges and impressions when doing business in the city. The representatives included Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, several city councilors and members of BBOT, including president and CEO Paul Holden.
Nearly 30% of businesses said improved parking options, including additional street parking choices, would help their bottom lines.
The second-largest concern among businesses – 27% – was a need for more promotional activities to boost their presence.
More than two-thirds of businesses said they would like more access to networking opportunities with other businesses. Owners were also interested in access to business education and workshops, advertising and promotional opportunities and access to business statistics.
Overall, the results of the Business Walk were positive, said BBOT. The walk showed that 59% of owners felt their businesses were doing well and improving. Fewer than 5% of respondents said business was poor.
Overwhelmingly, the top reason owners said they like doing business in the city was the fact that Burnaby is centred in the Lower Mainland. Proximity to transit and Skytrain was also listed as a positive factor.
Affordability of workspace and relatively low traffic congestion were also listed.
