In our ongoing commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of our vibrant community, the Stittsville Business Association (SBA) recently conducted a membership survey. We are thrilled to share the insights gained from the responses of our dedicated members. This feedback is invaluable in shaping the direction of our association and enhancing the experience for all.

Demographics:

• Business Owners: 89%
• Professionals: 11%

Motivations for Joining SBA:

• 77% to be a part of a supportive community
• 55% for business development/networking
• 44% seeking learning opportunities
• 44% with the intention to volunteer
• 33% to lend credibility as a business owner/professional
• 22% attracted by presentations/lectures from experts
• 22% to join a collective voice/advocacy
• 11% to avoid a BIA (Business Improvement Area)

Membership Renewal Intentions:

• 56% very likely
• 33% likely
• 11% not likely

Factors Influencing Renewal Decision:

Positives:

• Local social events
• Responsibility to the community to contribute
• Modest membership fee
• Feeling part of a community

Negatives:

• Volunteers should not have to pay full membership fees

Likelihood to Recommend SBA (on a scale 0f 1-10):

• 44% – 10
• 11% – 9
• 44% – 8

Perceived Fairness of Membership for Value Received:

• 67% very fair
• 33% fair

Preferred Social Media Platforms:

• 56% Facebook page
• 56% Instagram page
• 33% Facebook member-only group
• 22% Don’t use social media
• 11% LinkedIn page
• 11% LinkedIn member-only group

Desired Social Media Content:

• 89% Member Events
• 89% Stittsville Business news
• 67% Member content/news
• 67% Member exclusive deals
• 67% Member collaboration/testimonials
• 44% Stittsville Community News
• 33% Educational Business Posts
• 33% Holiday Gift Guides
• 22% Ottawa Business News
• 11% Inspirational Business Quotes

Interest in Volunteering:

• 33% Occasional volunteer (5-10 hours a year)
• 11% Active volunteer (serve on a committee /5-10 hours a month)
• 33% Executive leadership team (10-15 hours a month)
• 22% Not interested in volunteering

Desired Event Types:

• 78% Breakfast with networking & speaker
• 66% Webinars
• 33% 5pm-7pm networking
• 22% Lunch & learns

Event Topics of Interest:

• Social media
• Business finance
• Local banking/financing options for small businesses
• How local politicians help or hinder small businesses locally
• Networking exclusive
• Marketing
• Accounting
• Scaling your business
• Estate Planning
• Succession Planning
• Local B2B Marketing

* Bold text indicates strong interest

What Members Enjoy About SBA:

• Instagram posts about new businesses
• Volunteering in the local community
• People/networking (multiple respondents identified this as a primary factor)
• Recognizing leaders in the community
• Opportunities for growth
• More engagement from membership
• More frequent events
• More community collaboration/involvement
• More frequent communication

We are grateful for the candid and thoughtful responses from our members, which will guide our efforts in the coming year. Your feedback fuels our commitment to creating a supportive, engaging, and valuable community for all our members. Here’s to a prosperous and collaborative future with the Stittsville Business Association!