Prepare your business for construction

Stay informed with the project 

• Attend public engagement meetings or information sessions. 
• Collect the project manager’s information.  
• Voice the unique needs of your business. 
• Learn more about project resources. 

Help customers find you 

• Gather customer contact info before construction begins. This way you can inform them of route changes or keep them in loop about construction.  
• Provide signs to guide customers to your business. 
• Share updates and information to your customers about how to navigate the construction to your location. 

Develop a plan 

• Join local business organizations to have a network to share ideas and concerns. 
• Check in with your employees. 
• Provide directions and access information to employees and consider ways to reduce congestion to allow better access for customers (e.g. carpooling).  
• Have an advertising plan ready to go.  

End of construction 

• Consider working with other businesses on a special event. 
• Share on social media about the completion of the project. 
• Ask customers to help spread the word. 

What to expect when construction begins  

• Positive interactions can encourage contractors to be customers themselves and help your customers access your business. 
• Be mindful of additional dust and noise. 
• Make sure signage is clear and able to direct you customers to parking spaces and alternative entrances. 

Other ideas 

• Deliver products to your customer – implementing delivery services to reach customers who are unable to visit or avoiding the area. 
• Consistent messaging – Make sure all your employees know what to say when asked for directions or updates about the construction. 
• Stay informed – Follow along the City’s construction update page and social media accounts to receive up-to-date information. 
• Extend business hours – Consider opening later into the evening after construction crews are finished for the day.  
• Make the construction work for you – If you are waiting for an opportunity to remodel or do some maintenance, use this opportunity to get things done.  
• Be creative – think outside of traditional advertising concepts and do something that will speak to your customers. 
• Collaborate with others – consider working with other local neighbouring businesses and pooling advertising resources.  
• Stay positive – Having a positive and healthy environment to support staff to ensure retention.