Small businesses outline election priorities
Since moving to Winnipeg earlier this year, I have come to know the city through its small businesses. As a new Exchange District resident, grabbing coffee at Little Sister, walking […]
Small business owners in Manitoba have expressed their frustration with municipal governments, noting that these bodies have not adequately addressed their concerns. In the run-up to the upcoming elections, a survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) revealed that 77% of Manitoban small business owners felt their municipal councils have overlooked their issues.
The survey showed that more businesses are closing than opening in Manitoba, and over half of small business owners would not recommend starting a small operation today. This phenomenon, termed the "entrepreneurial drought," can be altered at the municipal level. Municipal governments can ease the situation by tackling the rising costs of doing business.
More than half of the surveyed businesses reported that property taxes were detrimental to their operations, with 85% experiencing an increase in their tax bill within the past year.
A Winnipeg business owner pointed out that property taxes, assessed based on rental value, do not necessarily correlate with revenue. In a follow-up survey, 96% of CFIB respondents supported reducing and eventually eliminating the Winnipeg separate business tax, which is based on the assessed rental value of occupied space. Although CFIB acknowledges the small business tax credit program, many businesses exceed the $47,500 ARV threshold.
Municipal red tape also significantly impacts small businesses, with 48% of respondents identifying it as harmful and 57% describing it as burdensome. Municipalities should publish service standards for permits, licences, and inspections, and report on meeting these standards. The delays caused by municipal bureaucracy can significantly impact businesses, with the lost revenue adding up daily.
Construction projects can disrupt businesses during the construction process, with two-thirds of surveyed businesses reporting disruptions over the past five years. Construction delays and closures can deter customers and lead to lost sales for local businesses. Municipalities should provide early notice and reliable access for businesses to accommodate construction projects.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
