The small business survey was conducted in the late spring of 2019 and had 78 total participants from throughout Chatham County. The survey was designed and drafted by a committee comprised of EDC board members, small business owners, and other volunteers. The survey, also available in Spanish, was promoted on the EDC website, social media accounts and through partnerships with business organizations.

The survey gauged business owners’ opinions on Chatham County’s business climate, existing workforce, and business and government relations. Data on the structure of the small businesses that participated were also collected.

The EDC plans to conduct the small business survey on a yearly basis and use the results to better serve the small business community. The results of the survey are listed below, and a PDF of the results is also available for download.

Business Climate

56% of respondents feel that there is a strong business climate in Chatham County.

79% of respondents reported that their revenue grew in the last 12 months.

79% of respondents feel that Chatham County is a good place for a business to operate

Existing Workforce

44% of respondents feel that they are able to find the employees needed for success

51% of respondents feel that they are able to retain the employees needed for success

89% of respondents feel positively about their understanding of employee laws

Business and Government Relations

27% of respondents feel that town services and regulations enable growth

29% of respondents feel that county services and regulations enable growth

24% of respondents feel that state and/or federal services and regulations enable growth

2019 EDC Small Business Survey Results PDF