Washington Daily News uncovers the current state of the local business scene

The Washington-based Pamlico Business Resource Center recently conducted a survey of over three hundred small business owners in Washington and Beaufort County, NC, revealing a dynamic and diverse local business landscape. The survey aimed to uncover the current challenges, growth prospects, and support needs of the local business community.

The results of the survey showed that small businesses in the area span various industries, with retail, hospitality, food, and professional services leading the way. However, many newer businesses are struggling to achieve significant growth, indicating a potentially unstable entrepreneurial environment in Beaufort County post-COVID-19.

Key challenges identified by local businesses include recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, high operating costs, regulatory barriers, and competition from larger and online businesses. The lasting impacts of the pandemic, such as changes in customer demand and disruptions in the supply chain, continue to affect small business operations.

Despite these challenges, the local business community remains optimistic about the future. Business owners expressed confidence in the potential for growth in the local economy, highlighting the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Looking ahead, small business owners emphasized the need for tailored business support, including digital marketing strategies, operational efficiency improvement, leadership development, and access to affordable marketing and advertising. They also stressed the importance of engagement with the broader business community through strategic partnerships and networking.

Overall, the survey underscores the resilience and dynamism of the local small business community in Washington and Beaufort County. By leveraging available business support resources like the Pamlico Business Resource Center, small business owners can pave the way for sustained growth and prosperity in the evolving business landscape of the region. For more information, contact Keith Hudson at keith@pamlicobrc.org.