Small business owners in Thunder Bay are feeling good about the health of their firms and the local economy.
Thunder Bay Ventures released its 15th annual Small Business Opinion Survey this month.
This year's survey indicates 85 per cent of small business owners have a feeling of future security, a positive upward trend since 2005.
The survey indicates 74 per cent of respondents believe there is positive economic growth in the city, a significant trend over the past four years.
A majority feel that mining has replaced forestry as Thunder Bay's most important industry sector. Small business owners continue to have negative thoughts about the Ontario Lottery casino and are warming up to the benefits of a revitalized waterfront.
On the hiring front, 49 per cent of respondents do not plan to hire anyone over the next 12 months, but no firms are planning any layoffs.
The attitude of small business toward the City of Thunder Bay is “not positive” and many have a common opinion that hiking taxes in the short-term to eliminate deficits at a faster pace is “not a good idea.”
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