Everett Small Businesses Report Cost Concerns

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  Everett's City Council released findings from a summer survey of 110 local businessesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  87% of respondents reported increased costs 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% stated these costs have become much more challenging“62% who said they have become much more challenging.”
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  The survey was conducted through online responses, roundtables, and in-person visits“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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  Taxes and fees were the top cost burden“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 burdenNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Insurance was the third top cost burdenNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Permitting was the fourth top cost burdenNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Business owners also cited rising material costs as a key pressure“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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  Business owners also cited reduced customer spending as a key pressureNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  City officials plan to use the results to guide future efforts“The City plans to use these findings to guide additional outreach and better understand the specific pressures businesses are experiencing.”
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  City officials plan to examine cost reductions within the city's control“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,”
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  City officials plan to streamline permitting processes“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 survey also showed 51% of businesses remain optimistic about their future in Everett“Fifty-one percent described themselves as very or somewhat optimistic about the future of their business, compared with 23% who were neutral and 26% who were very or somewhat pessimistic.”