Small Business Summit - Troubling Survey Results Prompt Action

A recent report from the UMass Donahue Institute highlights the continued challenges facing small, consumer-serving businesses across Massachusetts.

The findings paint a sobering picture: five years after COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, many Main Streets remain dotted with dark storefronts and struggling businesses. Despite the visible toll, there has been limited policy response from Beacon Hill to address the crisis.

Sales have remained stagnant while operational costs—many driven by public policy—have surged. As a result, the viability of small businesses is increasingly uncertain.

​Key Survey Findings:

• 51% of business owners plan to sell or close within five years, citing high costs and retirement without succession.
• 76% report rising costs outpacing sales growth since before COVID-19.
• 49% have experienced flat or declining sales.
• 44% report reduced profitability.
• 91% face higher operational costs.
• 73% believe government actions more often harm than help small businesses.

Study Recommendations:

• Reduce health insurance premiums for small businesses.
• Lower energy costs, particularly heating and cooling.
• Reduce payroll taxes (e.g., unemployment insurance and PFML).
• Lower sales taxes to encourage local consumer spending.

Survey results
Call to Action:
Join fellow business owners and Chamber members at the upcoming Massachusetts Small Business Summit. While advocacy groups continue to push for increased business costs, this is your opportunity to raise your voice for policies that support affordability and competitiveness for small businesses in the Commonwealth.

Save the date, June 18th at 10:00 am at the State House, and help shape a more sustainable future for small businesses in Massachusetts.

Tom O'Rourke, President and CEO