New report highlights small business views in Caledon

Improvement still required on controlled spending and giving small business a voice at the table

Toronto, December 6, 2017 – As municipalities inch closer to the 2018 municipal elections, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is highlighting local small business owners’ concerns in a new policy paper.

 “Local leaders need to take entrepreneurs’ concerns seriously and make themselves aware of the realities of running a small business,” said Ryan Mallough, CFIB senior policy analyst for Ontario. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of the local economy. Their success helps to ensure the city’s success.” 

A total of 70 businesses in Caledon took part in CFIB’s face-to-face survey between January-December 2016. When asked “Does your local Government do a good job on each of the following” this is how business owners responded: 
 
•    Fair Taxes – 33.8% Yes; 39.7% No; 26.5% Not Sure
•    Controlled Spending – 26.9% Yes; 40.3% No; 32.8% Not Sure
•    Fair Bylaws and Regulations – 41.8% Yes; 41.8% No; 16.4% Not Sure
•    Quality Public Service – 64.7% Yes; 13.2% No; 22.1% Not Sure
•    Understanding the Realities of Running a Small Business – 13.8% Yes; 72.3% No; 13.8% Not Sure

Small businesses were also asked about their most pressing business concerns. In Caledon, seven in ten businesses are concerned about their total tax burden. Additionally, more than half of small businesses surveyed had concerns about government debt, regulation and paper burden. 

CFIB urges local leaders to reflect on the policy paper’s results and policy options to improve the local small business climate.
 
“Municipal governments play a significant role in small business competitiveness and success,” added Mallough. “We’re hopeful that Caledon can bridge the gap and turn evidence-based and constituency-informed policy recommendations into reality.”  

To speak with Ryan Mallough, please contact Andy Radia at 647-464-2814 or public.affairs@cfib.ca. 

CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region, including 42,000 in Ontario.