City of Vernon connects with local businesses during Small Business Week

The City of Vernon’s Economic Development team, alongside representatives from several City departments and community organizations, connected directly with local business owners and operators on Tuesday, October 20, as part of the annual Business Walks initiative held during Small Business Week.

More than 12 groups of two to three participants visited businesses throughout Vernon, including Downtown, Alexis Park, Silver Star Gateway, Village Green Mall, and other commercial areas. The initiative brought together representatives from the City's Tourism, Planning, and Corporate Services departments, along with the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures North Okanagan, Okanagan College, and the Downtown Vernon Association. Members of Council-elect also participated, joining groups to hear directly from the local business community.

The Business Walks initiative provided an opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face conversations with business owners and operators about the current economic environment, employment, business successes, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Throughout the day, participants engaged businesses using a consistent set of questions focused on business confidence, employment, operational challenges, and opportunities to strengthen the local business environment. The conversations also provided an opportunity to build relationships and identify businesses that may benefit from additional support or connections to existing resources.

Turning conversations into action
The City’s Economic Development team will now consolidate the information collected, identify common themes and emerging opportunities, and determine where individual businesses may benefit from more targeted follow-up.

A summary of the findings will be presented to Mayor and Council in early 2027. The information gathered will help inform future economic development priorities, strengthen business retention and expansion efforts, and ensure the City's work continues to reflect the needs of the local business community.

The City extends its sincere appreciation to the many business owners and operators who took time out of their day to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas. The City also thanks the participating community organizations, City staff, and members of Council-elect for their involvement and commitment to supporting Vernon's business community.

About Business Walks
Business Walks form part of the City of Vernon's ongoing business retention and expansion efforts. The initiative brings together municipal departments and community partners to engage directly with local businesses, better understand economic conditions, identify challenges and opportunities, and strengthen relationships across the business community.