Small businesses recovery has taken a step back as COVID-19 cases increase, according to the latest national results from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’ #SmallBusinessEveryDay Dashboard.
A total of 66 per cent of businesses are fully open (compared to 72 per cent two weeks ago), 42 per cent are fully staffed (compared to 48 per cent two weeks ago) and 28 per cent of small businesses are making normal sales compared to 30 per cent two weeks ago.
In Saskatchewan, the dashboard metrics looks better relative to the national average, however, just 40 per cent of businesses are still making normal sales for this time of year. Given the increasing positive case numbers, as well as the new industry-specific restrictions that took effect on October 30 in Saskatoon, the dashboard metrics may decrease in the coming weeks.
In total, 77 per cent of businesses are fully open (compared to 83 per cent two weeks ago), 55 per cent are fully staffed (compared to 48 per cent two weeks ago) and 40 per cent are making normal sales (compared to 32 per cent two weeks ago).
“It is concerning to see Canada’s small business recovery take a step back just as we enter the holiday shopping season. Many businesses rely on the next several weeks to earn a significant proportion of their revenues. This year, that will be especially critical, as small businesses have suffered extensive losses,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Senior Vice-President of National Affairs at CFIB.
With new restrictions popping up in different regions of the country, only 11 per cent of hospitality businesses (such as restaurants and hotels) and 9 per cent of arts and recreation businesses (such as gyms and venues) are at normal sales levels for this time of year. CFIB is urging consumers to choose local, independent businesses every time they can and make the extra effort to find them online.
