Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan - Perth County

Figure 15 – SWOT for Lone EaglesStrengths• Strong community support for small businessdevelopment and incubation• Well developed rural service infrastructure• Predominant in the region’s economy basedupon proportion of businesses with ‘noemployees’• Home-grown business development is anemployment driver and discouragesdiversificationOpportunities• Self-propagating sector – Lone Eagles tend tosupport other local businesses• Attractive mix of urban/rural location andamenities for small, creative businesses• Develop business/training networks throughFanshawe, Conestoga, etc. to strengtheneducational opportunities in the region• Invest in development of mentorship programsfor entrepreneurs and small businesses• Mutual benefit for Lone Eagles and local youthin developing apprenticeship and on-the-jobtraining programs through the schoolsWeaknesses• Lack of incubation, small business servicehubs and facilities and local businessincentives• Low availability of inter-city transportation• Little flexibility for farm property severance andmultiple on-site businesses could limit ruralbusiness development/expansionThreats• Comparative limitations in high-speedtelecommunications could prohibit rural smallbusiness development re: internet marketing,social networking, research, communicationwith clients, etc.• Limited access to major transportationinfrastructure – competition from areas closerto markets, airport, etc.Perth, St. Marys and Stratford Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 44 | P age