Business Walks

Business Walks are a chamber business-growth initiative that brings local decision-makers and business-support partners directly to businesses in Armstrong and Spallumcheen.

The walk is normally held once a year in the spring. In a short, focused morning, small teams visit as many businesses as possible, ask a consistent set of questions, and listen for practical themes affecting the local business community.

How it works

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce partners with Community Futures North Okanagan for Business Walks. Members of the chamber board, the City of Armstrong, and the Township of Spallumcheen are also invited to take part.

The visit window usually runs from 9:00 AM to noon. Teams spend about three hours visiting local businesses, gathering short responses, and noting concerns, opportunities, or follow-up needs.

After the walk, participants return to the chamber for lunch and a debrief. The group discusses what they heard, looks for common themes, and identifies where the chamber or partner organizations may be able to help.

Questions and findings

Questions are set by the chamber before each Business Walk. The chamber normally requests one question from the City of Armstrong and one from the Township of Spallumcheen so local government priorities can be included in the conversation.

Past Business Walks have asked about topics such as business conditions, staffing, business-development support, chamber awareness, event participation, communication channels, and local improvement priorities.

The findings help the chamber understand what businesses are experiencing on the ground and give local partners clearer information for planning, advocacy, programming, and follow-up support.

Why it supports business growth

Business Walks help local businesses be heard without needing to attend a meeting or fill out a long survey.

• Businesses can share quick, practical feedback in person
• The chamber and partners can identify common barriers and opportunities
• Local government representatives hear directly from the business community
• Follow-up support can be directed to businesses that ask for information
• Annual results help track how local business needs change over time

Talk to the chamber

Businesses, board members, and community partners interested in Business Walks can contact the chamber office.

Phone (250) 546-8155 or email manager@aschamber.com.