In a recent statewide survey of 536 small to medium-sized businesses, respondents to the latest Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) survey indicated inflation is the number one challenge to doing business in Michigan, knocking acquiring talent out of the top spot for the first time in nearly a decade.
The semi-annual MFBI was commissioned by the Michigan Business Network. The survey is sponsored by Cinnaire and conducted by the Michigan-based market research firm ROI Insight. Brett Oumedian, Cinnaire Chief Financial Officer, joined Chris Holman, Michigan Business Network CEO, to share the survey results in a forum today.
“The results of the Michigan Future Business Index survey serves as a powerful tool, providing data for policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to understand challenges businesses are facing,” said Brett Oumedian. “Small businesses play a vital role in healthy communities, bringing an important economic, social, and cultural value. We are pleased to join the Michigan Business Network to show our support for small businesses and share the results of the survey.”
The survey found that nearly three-quarters of small business owners consider inflation a significant concern right now. Talent acquisition and retention challenges again stem from simply getting bodies in the door, as opposed to the challenge of finding qualified talent in previous years. Additionally, while many businesses say they’ve recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, more say the recovery will take longer than expected given the most recent stressors on small businesses.
Chris Holman, who started the survey in 2003 and took it statewide in 2006, shared this about the latest findings. “Among the many challenges businesses are facing, inflation is at the top of the list, with 52% of businesses surveyed identifying inflation as their top challenge. While many businesses are struggling to find reasons for optimism in the current environment, the survey shows seven in ten still believe Michigan is a great place to do business.”
Additional findings:
Q4 2021 Michigan Future Business Index Survey "Hot off the press"!
As a leading voice for small businesses in Michigan, the Michigan Business Network (MBN) believes the people making decisions need to hear how your business is doing. The MFBI Survey allows us to forecast potential changes in the market. Thanks to business leaders’ participation, we are able to amplify the voice of small businesses in Michigan and provide data to guide decisions of business advocacy organizations and policymakers, setting an agenda to help Michigan businesses prosper.
The Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) is proud to announce that this time around it is now underwritten by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and continues to be commissioned by Cinnaire and the Michigan Business Network and conducted by Paul King founder of ROI Insight. It surveys owners of small to mid-sized businesses in Michigan and provides business leaders a forum to offer their perspectives and opinions on doing business in Michigan, the overall business climate in the state, and various issues in the news.
July 22nd MBN, Cinnaire, and ROI Insight release the Spring MFBI results for 2021
As a leading voice for small businesses in Michigan, the Michigan Business Network (MBN) believes the people making decisions need to hear how your business is doing. The MFBI Survey allows us to forecast potential changes in the market. Thanks to business leaders’ participation, we are able to amplify the voice of small businesses in Michigan and provide data to guide decisions of business advocacy organizations and policymakers, setting an agenda to help Michigan businesses prosper.
The Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) is commissioned by Cinnaire and the Michigan Business Network and conducted by Paul King founder of ROI Insight. It surveys owners of small to mid-sized businesses in Michigan and provides business leaders a forum to offer their perspectives and opinions on doing business in Michigan, the overall business climate in the state, and various issues in the news.
DECEMBER 2020 Key Takeaways:
COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY: Download Results
The special COVID-19 Impact Survey covered topics such as how businesses are coping, what are business owner's expectations are for the future, and how well they think our leaders are meeting their needs. It allowed businesses in Michigan to speak in one voice to those making critical decisions in Lansing and Washington DC.
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