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thumbnail_MFBI Web (2023 Q2)

Q3 2023 Michigan Future Business Index is now "in the field" Let your voice and opinions be heard! Want previous results, check the stories below! To participate in the survey click on the graphic above or THIS LINK.

Please Take the Q2 2023 MFBI Survey to Make Your Voice Heard in Lansing

Dear Michigan Small Business Leader,At the Michigan Business Network, we understand how busy you are, so I won't take up much of your time. However, I'd appreciate if you can find just a few minutes today to provide your opinions in the Q2 2023 Michigan Future Business Index. We again thank Cinnaire for their continued support of the Michigan Future Business IndexClick Here to Take the Survey NowFor nearly 20 years, the MFBI has given Michigan's small business community an amplified voice to deliver its message to lawmakers and business advocates across the state. The MFBI survey covers a variety of topics including the challenges to doing business in Michigan, expectations for future business, and how well our leaders are meeting the needs of businesses. While opinions will be reported on aggregate, your individual responses and contact information will be kept entirely confidential.

In return for the short time, it takes to participate in this survey, you'll receive:

  • An exclusive first peek at the survey results, with insights into how Michigan's small business community is coping during these challenging times,
  • Helpful podcasts, articles, and advice from Michigan's business leaders to help you succeed,
  • And a CHANCE TO WIN great travel and golf escapes here in Michigan and beyond, sponsored by Fly Lansing and The Majestic Golf Course.

Follow this link to the Survey:Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:https://roiinsight.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0q75sAmefdnkiW2?Distributor=MBN  

Thank you for your participation and have a prosperous day.Chris HolmanFounder & CEOMichigan Business Networkchris@michiganbusinessnetwork.comwww.michiganbusinessnetwork.com

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Cinnaire Joins Michigan Business Network to Present Results for Q4 2022 Michigan Future Business Index Survey

In a recent study of 750 small to medium-sized businesses, respondents to the latest Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) indicated inflation remains the number one challenge to doing business, but wage inflation is climbing the list, impacting profits and hiring.

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. Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire President, and CEO joined Chris Holman, Michigan Business Network CEO, to share the survey results in a forum Wednesday.

“Small businesses play a vital role in supporting healthy communities, creating jobs, and spurring economic development while contributing to social and cultural value,” said Mark McDaniel, Cinnaire President, and CEO. “The MFBI survey provides an opportunity for small business owners to share their insights and provide perspective on Michigan’s economic outlook. We are pleased to join the Michigan Business Network to share the results of the most recent survey.”

The survey found that the wage inflation stressor is growing, as overall inflation continues to impact profits. However, supply chain challenges are subsiding. Sales and profits over the last six months beat Q2 MFBI projections, but uncertainty over business costs and the economy is restraining optimism for the next six months. Additionally, more than one in four respondents say they’ve fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and comments to open-end questions indicate fears of long-term inflation and a recession are easing.

“Although talent acquisition and retention remains a major issue for all employers in the state of Michigan, inflation, and in particular wage inflation, has edged out talent as the major stumbling block for business in Michigan,” said Chris Holman, Michigan Business Network CEO. “In spite of these challenges, however, the majority of Michigan businesses still find Michigan a great place to be in business. And are cautiously optimistic about the next six months.”

Additional findings include:

  • Satisfaction with the economy continues to slump.
  • Hiring slows as wage inflation eats into profits. Job creators indicate that they’re again focused on ROI when hiring.
  • While the intensity has cooled slightly, most still believe Michigan is a great place to do business with a fair tax system.

While the full report is shared above, here is an executive summary presentation.

Cinnaire Joins Michigan Business Network to Present Results for Q2 2022 Michigan Future Business Index Survey

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: 

  • Satisfaction with the economy continues to slump since its rebound one year ago. 
  • Even as employers continue to increase wages at record levels, they remain perplexed as to how to attract talent. 
  • The rebound of sales and profits in Q4 2021 has been quelled, while optimism for future sales and profits continues to significantly diminish, as those expecting decreased future profits nearly equal those expecting increases. 
  • Silver Lining: seven in ten still believe Michigan is a great place to do business and believe the tax system is fair. 
 

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. 

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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:

  • Satisfaction With the Economy in Michigan was at a near-record high (82%) one year ago and collapsed to a record low of 11% in May. It has now rebounded to 28%.
  • Business Performance: The percentage of businesses describing their performance as pretty good or excellent plummeted from 81% before the pandemic to only 8% in May. It has now ticked back up to 27%. More than three in four (76%) said they were in not so good or poor shape in May, but that number has dropped to 50% now.
  • Ninety-four percent (94%) say their business is open now, which was at only 65% in May.

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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