Everett Small Business Survey Results Released

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  The City of Everett released results from its 2026 small business outreach effort on August 20, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The City of Everett heard from 110 businesses across the city“This summer, the City heard from 110 businesses through an online survey, small business roundtables and visits to businesses across Everett.”
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  87% of surveyed businesses reported that costs have become more challenging over the past two years“In the survey, 87% of respondents said costs have become more challenging over the past two years, including 62% who said they have become much more challenging.”
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  62% of surveyed businesses stated it has become much more difficult“62% who said they have become much more challenging.”
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  The top cost burdens identified were taxes and fees“When asked to identify their three greatest cost burdens, taxes and fees ranked highest - followed by: labor and wage costs, insurance and health care costs, and permitting and licensing requirements.”
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  Labor was the second top cost burden identifiedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Insurance was the third top cost burden identified“When asked to identify their three greatest cost burdens, taxes and fees ranked highest - followed by: labor and wage costs, insurance and health care costs, and permitting and licensing requirements.”
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  Health care was the fourth top cost burden identifiedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Permitting requirements were the fifth top cost burden identifiedNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Businesses also cited rising costs for goods and materials as a concern“In conversations with businesses, owners also pointed to rising costs for goods and materials, customers having less money to spend and the combined impact of costs from multiple levels of government.”
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  The City plans to use these findings to guide additional outreach“The City plans to use these findings to guide additional outreach and better understand the specific pressures businesses are experiencing.”
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  The City plans to use these findings to improve the business environment“The City will use the findings to inform its ongoing work to improve the business environment in Everett, including examining costs within the City’s control, supporti”
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  The City plans to focus on reducing fees within its control“Businesses identified areas where the City can helpWhen asked what actions by the City would most help their business, respondents most frequently identified reducing fees or costs (within the City’s control), streamlining permits and approvals, increasing public safety efforts, and expanding marketing and tourism.”
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  The City plans to focus on streamlining permits“Businesses identified areas where the City can helpWhen asked what actions by the City would most help their business, respondents most frequently identified reducing fees or costs (within the City’s control), streamlining permits and approvals, increasing public safety efforts, and expanding marketing and tourism.”
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  The City plans to focus on increasing public safety efforts“Businesses identified areas where the City can helpWhen asked what actions by the City would most help their business, respondents most frequently identified reducing fees or costs (within the City’s control), streamlining permits and approvals, increasing public safety efforts, and expanding marketing and tourism.”