CALGARY- While homeowners struggle to rebuild after the devastating June flood, so are small business owners.
Flour-filled bags saved L’Epicerie Deli in the Beltline from major damage, but now the owner is faced with another challenge—rebuilding his clientele.
“We try to survive and to put our heart and passion to reopen and to make everything good,” says baker Samuel Nedelec.
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His is just one of an estimated 4,000 local businesses trying to welcome back clients, after being forced to close when the power was knocked out. That’s prompted Calgary Economic Development to try and help out, through their Rediscover Our City marketing campaign.
“It’s really about asking Calgarians to go back to those areas, and have a meal, have a drink, make a purchase in those areas,” explains Mary Moran.
The campaign, which includes a video, website, and task force will continue for eight weeks.
The province estimates up to 1,500 small businesses outside the city were also affected by the floods. The finance minister plans to meet with business groups next week, to determine how the government can help them get back up and running.
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