1. 2015 Shelburne Business Study
Developed & Administered by the Shelburne Planning Commission
Analysis by Michael Moser

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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%

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

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

7. 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%

8. …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%

9. 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?

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

11. …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%

12. 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

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