Survey shows Melfort businesses stable despite challenges

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“Despite these challenges, business confidence remains strong, with 81 per cent of respondents indicating they are confident in their financial stability over the next one to three years,” Prefontaine stated. “Businesses also identified financial incentives, marketing and promotion, and housing availability as key areas where additional support would be beneficial.” 

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The survey revealed that 53 per cent of businesses that responded reported growth over the past year, while 34 per cent were stable. Another 13 per cent indicated they were experiencing challenges. 

“Despite this, businesses continue to identify cost pressures, staffing, and competition from online products as their top operating challenges.” 

The survey results will be shared with Council and presented to the new Community Development Advisory Committee. Prefontaine said they will be used to inform future decision-making, along with helping to guide policies and initiatives aimed at supporting local economic growth, addressing challenges identified by local businesses, and strengthening the business environment in Melfort.

The City is expected to follow up with businesses who expressed interest in additional conversation to better understand their feedback. 

Prefontaine said rising costs, workforce challenges, and online competition issues align with broader trends seen in many communities. However, the level of business confidence and percentage of respondents experiencing business growth was encouraging to Prefontaine. She said that reinforces that many local businesses are stable or expanding despite the challenges that exist. 

The survey will likely be repeated over the next three to five years to better strengthen the City’s understanding of business conditions and to track trends and economic indicators. 

“This would allow for more meaningful trend analysis and support more informed, evidence-based decision-making in future planning and policy development,” Prefontaine said. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com