On 18 September 2024, five graduate students set out to collect information from businesses owners in Seaforth, Ontario to better understand the realities of attracting and retaining employees. Paul Sitsofe (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student), Paul Anim (Master of Science in Capacity Development and Extension student), Lucas Berek (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student), Calum Jacques (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development student), and Damilola Oyewale (Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development graduate) traveled throughout Seaforth to speak with business owners. Information was gathered on the challenges business owners experience in finding new staff, supports that would be useful to assist in finding new staff, and success stories of approaches in finding new staff. Over the coming weeks a report on the data will be available. Stay tuned for more information on report and key findings!

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Paul Sitsofe ([email protected]) or Ryan Gibson ([email protected]). To learn more about this initiative visit www.ruraldev.ca/lsna/