Many businesses have shut down due to COVID-19. But, despite the challenges of the pandemic, many local businesses in Lethbridge are still able to sustain themselves.

According to Cyndi Vos, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, businesses used to a large customer base, struggled to grind out a profit. The chamber saw a decrease in sales to many businesses following mid-March, resulting in layoffs or businesses shutting down.

“I think we saw a huge decrease because if you have to close your doors and you’re not allowed to run your business, there’s no income,” said Vos. “Well, there’s no income, there’s no expenses. Well, business doesn’t run that way. There’s always expenses.”

According to a recent survey done by the Chamber, 56 per cent of respondents indicated some kind of decline in growth performance over the past six months.

However, some business operators remain positive for the future.

The Penny Coffee House, a local coffee shop in downtown Lethbridge, said it is surviving despite the protocols in place to battle COVID-19.

“For the most part, we’re not actually far from our pre-COVID totals, so, hopefully, it improves and we get a little bit more [customers] coming into Christmas,” said Jacob Ramsdell, co-owner and manager of The Penny Coffee House. “But, at the moment, we’re doing okay in terms of our profit.”

The survey also identified three issues requiring the most attention to be: Broadband Infrastructure Investment, downtown safety, and lower property tax burden compared to other issues listed on the survey.

The Chamber continues to research and bring forward issues with all three levels of government to support local businesses and the local economy. The city council also recently approved a series of development based incentive programs to support investors, business owners and their employees, as part of economic recovery efforts.