Survey results reflect both optimism and concerns over pandemic effects on local business operations

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Survey reflects both optimism and concerns over pandemic

Phil Castle The Business Times

Grand Valley business owners and Business Briefs managers responding to a survey remain optimistic conditions will improve over the next six months. But the coronavirus pandemic and

Business People Almanac related restrictions continue to affect their operations. And some of those who cut staffing have made the reductions permanent. “They’re focused on recovery, and they’re making concrete steps toward working through this,” said Diane Schwenke, the president and chief executive officer of the Grand Junction Area Diane Schwenke Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has Bryan Wachs, chief executive officer of MySalesButler.com, and Mara Hardy, business development manager for the conducted four email surveys over the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, are among the organizers of Techstars Startup Week West Slope. The virtual event will include more than 60 sessions throughout July offering information about a range of business topics. past two months to track the effects of the pandemic and determine how best to help Virtually the same businesses. The results of the latest survey, completed June 12, indicates businesses have moved toward more normal operations in terms of customers and Startup week offers extensive programming, only online this time revenue. Moreover, business owners and managers are optimistic conditions will improve further over the next six months. hile there’s nothing quite like being in the same room, the organizers of an event promoting entrepreneurial endeavors in Western Colorado believe they’ve come up with virtually the same thing. What’s more, there are advantages in offering a month of free online programming. There’s no time or expense involved W FOR YOUR INFORMATION For information about Techstars Startup Week West Slope, log on to the website located at https://westslopestartupweek.com. Concerns remain, though, over a surge in COVID-19 cases that could result in closures, the effects of an economic downturn and the legal liability if an employee or customer contracts COVID-19. That makes uncertainty and lack with travel. Participants pick and choose the sessions in which of control among the biggest challenges they’d like to join. And those who might have been reluctant Techstars Startup Week West Slope is designed to share businesses face, Schwenke said. to ask a question or make a point in front of others can now do knowledge and expertise about starting and growing businesses Out of the 186 businesses that responded so from the comfort of their offices or homes. while also building connections in the region. to the latest survey, 40 percent reported the

“There’s no risk,” says Mara Hardy, business development While the event will include information for tech firms and pandemic had affected income less than manager for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. startups, it’s not just about tech or startups, Wachs says. Sessions 25 percent. About 29 percent of businesses

Bryan Wachs — the chief executive officer of will offer something for everyone from the executives of larger reported income had been affected between MySalesButler.com, an internet marketing company based companies to the proprietors of small businesses and their 25 percent and 50 percent. Nearly 20 percent in Grand Junction — puts this way: “There are zero barriers employees. of businesses reported their incomes had right now.” Hardy says sessions are grouped into eight tracks been affected more than 50 percent.

Hardy and Wachs are among the organizers of Techstars related to such topics as agriculture and food, capital, In reopening under the latest phase Startup Week West Slope. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, communications and technology. A people track will offer of a Mesa County variance to statewide what’s usually a week-long event in Grand Junction was changed information about developing leaders, building teams and pandemic restrictions, nearly 45 percent to a virtual event that will be offered through July. fostering engagement. A makers track will focus on those of businesses reported they’re operating at

A total of more than 60 presentations, panel discussions making things — either with their hands or in operating more than 75 percent of normal operations in and other events are planned for Tuesdays and Thursdays high-tech equipment. What are billed as “toolbox” terms of customers and revenue. More than July 7 to 30. There’s no charge for the sessions or deadline to workshops will address fundamental topics and skills 21 percent of businesses reported operating register. building. at 50 percent to 75 percent of normal. Nearly

Wachs expects the virtual format to attract more participants. There’s also a fun track that will include book club meetings, 19 percent reported operating at 25 percent While 300 people attended last year, participation could double podcasts and a yoga class. to 50 percent of normal. or triple this year. See VIRTUALLY page 18 About 54 percent of business reported no difficulties in complying with Mesa County STORY AND PHOTO BY PHIL CASTLE See SURVEY page 20