Business Survey Results: Business Growth Experienced in Leeds Grenville

Brockville – Just over 67% of businesses in Leeds Grenville have experienced growth over the last couple of years. The 2024 Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey Report has been released by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville -Economic Development Office.

With a regional 8% response rate, 363 businesses from all 13 municipalities completed the survey, which has resulted in reports for the region and each municipality. All survey results are available on the Counties Economic Development webpage at www.investleedsgrenville.com/reportsandplans.

Over 96% of businesses completing the survey are considered small businesses with under 50 employees. The highest responses came from the industry sectors of Retail Trade, Food Services and Construction followed by the Agriculture, Forestry, Fish and Hunting sector. This is reflective of the small-to-large business ratio and the economic fabric of Leeds Grenville.

“The number of small businesses in the region is significant and shopping local is critical to our economy,” says Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. “Together with our major employers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, we have a strong diverse economy.”

The survey shows two-thirds of businesses are neutral or confident about the strength of the economy overall. In the last couple of years, the largest challenges for businesses remain increased product prices and overhead costs along with attracting new employees.

Counties Economic Development will be meeting with the regional Business Support Working Group to develop collaborative programming to support business growth and training. The key areas include navigating growth for small businesses, social media, succession planning, AI for businesses and talent attraction. The Working Group is composed of representatives from all 13 municipalities in Leeds Grenville, MP/MPP offices, Community Future Development Corporations, Small Business Centres, BIAs, Employment Services and other Business and Education agencies.

“A special thank you to the businesses who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback and input to future plans is greatly appreciated,” says Ann Weir.

There are many programs and services that businesses can access locally for help and support. Shelbi McFarlane, Counties’ Economic Development Business Development Officer, is available at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 or email shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca to facilitate connecting businesses to those resources.