Nearly 600 businesses in Oswego County will be taking part in a program aimed at increasing tourism in Oswego.

The New York Sea Grant and Oswego State are leading the survey, which will evaluate the local business climate and assist existing companies with expansion. According to officials, the goal of the business retention and expansion program is to increase the lines of communication between local government and businesses.

If the program is successful in Oswego County, officials said there is a possibility of expanding it to other counties along Lake Ontario.

In the survey, business owners will be able to grade different community services and identify business trends, like changing vacation patterns and increasing minimum wage.

The survey will run through May 12.