Rising costs, transportation problems and difficulty reaching customers are the leading challenges facing Caledon businesses, according to findings the Caledon Chamber of Commerce presented to council.
The chamber is seeking clearer access to business support and a coordinated shop-local campaign. As the Caledon Citizen reported, its presentation drew on a member roundtable and a survey examining business challenges.
Chamber president Marion Upshall told council the concerns extended across retail, hospitality, service providers and professional services, rather than being confined to one industry.
The chamber has 223 members, with businesses employing between one and 10 people accounting for 77 per cent of its membership.
Upshall identified limited transportation options as a barrier both to finding workers and to bringing customers into local businesses. She also raised congestion associated with truck traffic on Caledon’s main corridors.
Those delays affect residents, employees, shoppers and goods movement, she said. The chamber’s presentation linked transportation difficulties to challenges attracting and retaining workers, as well as discouraging customers from travelling across town to shop, dine or use services.
Businesses also reported frustration with government processes they found complicated, unclear and slow. Upshall said owners wanted to devote more time to operating and expanding their businesses and less to navigating those systems.
Chamber proposes four areas for action
The chamber recommended a centralized business resource, such as a Small Business Enterprise Centre, to improve communication and help owners find support.
Its other proposals were a visible shop-local campaign coordinated by the town and chamber, continued advocacy at the regional and provincial levels, and regular, transparent communication with the business community.
Councillor Tony Rosa suggested more promotion of individual businesses to help residents learn about local offerings, potentially in collaboration with the town’s Economic Development department. Councillor Mario Russo also supported closer collaboration.
Councillor Christina Early raised the possibility of training to help businesses expand. Chamber board chair Hazel Piacentini said the organization had been considering training for local owners, including mentorship involving larger organizations.
Rosa also pointed to the potential for existing Caledon businesses to grow and create jobs, saying mentorship could help them contribute to the town’s future employment needs.
Local support centre remains a priority
Ben Roberts, the town’s manager of Business Attraction and Investment with Planning and Development, said staff continue to advocate with provincial representatives for a Small Business Enterprise Centre in Caledon. Businesses currently receive services through centres in Brampton and Orangeville.
Roberts also outlined existing support, including the Growth Wheel planning tool offered at the Humber River Centre and the DMZ Caledon Business Incubator partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University.
He said four students would gather information on new businesses through the Business Retention Expansion Program, creating opportunities for owners to discuss their needs and frustrations.
