2015 Shelburne Business Study Developed & Administered by the Shelburne Planning Commission Analysis by Michael Moser

Developed to inform the Economic Development chapter of the Town Plan Survey instrument designed by Shelburne municipal officials Businesses identified by local working group and the public 579 positively identified businesses (includes home-based, sole- proprietorships) Instrument mailed to addresses in October, 2015 Responses were anonymous and reported only in aggregate Context & Methodology

Results 182 valid responses were collected in time for analysis Based upon 579 identified businesses, results are representative plus or minus a margin of error of 6% Results

Shelburne businesses stick around How long has your business operated in Shelburne? Number Percent Under 1 Year 7 3.8% 1-5 Years 45 24.7% 6-10 Years 32 17.6% 11-20 Years 40 22.0% Over 20 Years 58 31.9% 182 100.0%

Shelburne businesses are close to home Why is your business located in Shelburne?

…and many are home-based From where do you operate your business?

Shelburne businesses are not heavily dependent on tourism Is your enterprise heavily dependent on tourism? Number Percent No 149 83.2% Yes 23 12.8% Not Sure 7 3.9%

…they’re mostly reliant on local customers Where are the majority of the customers for your goods and services located? Number Percent Chittenden Co. Only 83 45.9% Chittenden Co., VT 41 22.7% U.S. Only 38 21.0% Global 10 5.5% Chittenden Co., VT, U.S. 9 5.0%

Most Shelburne businesses think this is a good place to start up How would you rate Shelburne overall as a place to start a business?

…and they feel supported Do you think the town supports entrepreneurism?

…but when asked, they also have ideas for improvement What is the single most important thing the town boards, commissions, and staff could do to support your business? Number Percent Ease/Simplify/Flexible/ Regulations, Faster Process 18 19.4% Fix Traffic/Parking Issues 16 17.2% Affordability, Lower Taxes 13 14.0% Promote and Support local businesses (Mixers, Services) Fast, affordable Internet, Broadband, Cellular 6 6.5% Increase Village Development, Walkability 4 4.3% Other things 23 24.7%

18% of businesses say they located in Shelburne due to proximity to Route 7 and area attractions 25% of businesses say Route 7 and its traffic are favorable to their business development 28% of businesses say the ideal Shelburne location is on Route 7 or in the village center But, 51% of businesses say “peak traffic management” is inadequate in Shelburne Shelburne businesses benefit from, and are challenged by Route 7 traffic

Michael Moser mmoser@uvm.edu 802.233.8187 Thank You Michael Moser mmoser@uvm.edu 802.233.8187