About the Project

This comprehensive survey, conducted every two years, invites all businesses within the Bass Coast region to participate and share their insights and experiences. The survey is designed to gather vital information on the current state of local businesses, identify challenges, and help Council tailor workshops and networking events to local business needs.

In the survey we asked for direction to help shape our approach to economic development planning including:

  • Identifying trends
  • Understanding business sentiment
  • Developing industry workshop calendar
  • Identifying key issues for advocacy

2024 Survey Results

Read the Full Report

Map of where respondents operate their business

Respondents operate their business across Bass Coast

Key Takeaways

  • The rising cost of goods is top of mind for Bass Coast businesses.

  • Most Bass Coast businesses sell their stock in person (80% sell less than 20% of their goods online).

  • There has been a shift to a respondents with casualised workforce since 2022 (22% in 2022 to 59% in 2024).

  • Word of Mouth, Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google Reviews are the most effective marketing channels.

What We Heard

  • “I appreciate your support.”

  • “Offer more grants to help struggling small businesses.”

  • “Business to Business introductions with a view to creating collaborative relationships to strengthen local businesses.”

  • “Many challenges dealing with Bass Coast Shire Council - most notably dealing with the town planning area.”

  • “More small business financial support, exemptions for event street trading, free webinars/seminars. More workshops.”

  • “Making more land available for commercial premises to have more of a market for these premises to keep the prices down.”

  • "Seasonal spending makes it hard to recruit and retain quality skilled staff members as we cannot offer them full time employment.”

  • “It's getting more difficult every quarter.”

  • “Our business is sort of a luxury today, due to rising cost across the board people don’t have the spare money to spend on luxuries.”

  • “The shortage of skilled professionals plays a huge role on our workplace being able to grow. There is no opporutnity to grow, if we cannot get the staff.”

Privacy and Data Protection

Council collects, holds and shares this Personal Information in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). For further information please refer to Bass Coast Shire Council Privacy.