Running a business can be tough at the best of times. Statistics Canada surveyed those operating in smaller, rural or remote communities to see how their challenges differ from those running enterprises in larger urban environments.
What that survey found is that the problems identified in rural communities are also evident in larger centres but those problems are magnified in smaller or remote locations.
Topping the list of issues for rural business owners was the cost of supplies. It is an issue everywhere but here’s how it is amplified in smaller places. It was top of the list for 48 per cent in the city was at 58 per cent in the country.
Transportation costs ranked second as rural businesses travel farther to see suppliers or to make deliveries.
The rising cost of insurance ranked third for rural businesses. It was farther down the list for urbanites.
Finally, talent was cited as fourth. This is something everyone complains about but smaller centres mean smaller labour pools to draw upon, so, management and existing staff will log more hours.
