Local business owners that want to collaborate with their peers in this era of COVID-19 are encouraged to participate in a new Great Bend Economic Development Inc. program.

GBED will host a Business Summit through several small group sessions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, President Jessica Milsap said.

“We want to support local business owners as they search for creative solutions that will help their companies thrive,” Milsap said. “Individuals from a variety of industries who are equipped with a range of skillsets can learn from one another.”

The sessions will be virtual or in-person, depending on the circumstances; the number of sessions depends on the number of responses to the Business Summit. There is no charge for this program.

“We want to discuss ways in which businesses are struggling or flourishing,” Milsap said. “If we know what the current needs are, maybe we can help one another fill those needs. The goal is a thriving local economy.

“Brainstorming is a good technique for arriving at innovative ideas,” she added. “We can share with a diverse group of business owners, marketing professionals, information technology gurus and many others about how we can not only survive but prosper.”

Solutions to business problems could entail patronizing local businesses more often than in the past and creating more of a local supply chain where appropriate, Milsap summarized.

“If there was ever a time to shop locally, this is it,” Milsap emphasized. “When we shop in town we show our support for the whole community.

“Local dollars build a stronger economy while contributing to the tax base, both of which help everyone in the community,” she continued. “This leads to job retention and job creation and a true sense of community. All of us need to patronize our neighbors’ businesses or lose them.”

For more information about the Business Summit, contact Milsap by calling 620-796-2407 or send her an email, jmilsap@gbedinc.com.