Businesses across the Rural City of Wangaratta have shared their insights in the region’s first Business Health Check Survey and the results paint a picture of a resilient, forward-thinking local economy. Despite ongoing challenges such as rising operating costs and skills shortages, 53 per cent of businesses expect stable or increased profits over the next 12 months. In another sign of confidence, 40 per cent of respondents plan to expand their workforce, a strong signal for Wangaratta’s economic outlook. Launched at the Annual Business Forum in February 2025, the survey ran for eight weeks and captured feedback from a wide range of industries and townships. Respondents represented all key local sectors from health care and agriculture to manufacturing, retail, and construction sharing insights on everything from staffing and marketing to cashflow and training. Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant said the survey delivers on a key action in Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2024–2029: checking in with local businesses each year and using their input to guide support. “This is about listening and acting," she said. "Local businesses have told us they want faster support, more opportunities to network, and workshops in areas like marketing, business planning, and artificial intelligence. "We’re responding with support that’s timely, practical, and relevant.” That feedback is already shaping the 2025–26 Business Development Program, which will include hands-on workshops focused on marketing, finance, and continuity planning. Events will be delivered across the region with flexible options to suit different industries and time constraints. Key insights include: • 73pc of businesses are interested in attending casual networking events. • Over 60pc do not currently have an emergency or energy plan in place but there is strong interest to learn more about both. • Nearly 40pc of businesses identified rising costs and cashflow as their biggest concern. • Skills shortages and staff reliability continue to be major barriers to recruitment across most industries. The data also highlights the diverse pressures different sectors are facing from tight margins in retail and hospitality, to the demand for consistency and safety in agriculture and manufacturing. Across the board, business owners are looking for practical tools to help them plan and stay competitive. Council’s Business Concierge service continues to provide tailored, one-on-one support to help business owners navigate permits, access grants, and connect with expert advice. Despite this, nearly half of respondents hadn’t yet engaged with any council-run business services, signalling an opportunity to raise awareness and make it easier for businesses to reach out. The Business Health Check will now become an annual initiative giving local businesses a regular voice and helping council respond to what matters most. Visit the council concierge service at https://www.investwangaratta.com.au/Business-Concierge.
