Business count returns this month

Businesses across Oshawa and Durham Region should expect a knock on their door this spring or summer.

The region’s planning and economic development department is conducting its eighth annual Business Count to gather data from local businesses about their operations.

Between May and August, the Business Count team is scheduled to visit all business establishments in the region to gather basic information about the type and nature of the company, the number of employees, plans for growth, floor space and physical location.

Team members are easily recognizable by their navy blue Region of Durham shirts and photo ID cards.

“The Business Count allows us to collect reliable data, which helps us improve the effective and efficient delivery of municipal services,” says Brian Bridgeman, commissioner of planning and economic development. “The information collected through this initiative allows us to assist local businesses in reaching their goals.”

Data collected will be used for planning and analysis purposes to better plan services and programming, and to update regional and municipal business directories.

In addition to in-person visits, businesses – including home-based companies, non-profit organizations and farms – have the option to complete the Business Count by visiting durham.ca/businesscount.

Data collected may be shared with other government agencies, but sensitive information will be kept confidential and only used internally.