Traverse Connect conducted its third quarter Business Growth Barometer Survey of investor and member businesses, aimed at providing a snapshot of our regional business sentiment, outlook, and current challenges. Quarterly surveys inform the organization’s strategic priorities and help it respond to the needs of the business community.
Ninety-six percent of respondents agree that the Grand Traverse region is a good place to grow their business, with 93% in agreement that the region is improving as a place to grow their business. Respondents’ sentiment about an improving business environment has improved by six points over the second quarter of 2025. As the summer tourism season draws to a close, 40% of respondents cited finding and hiring talent as their primary barrier to growth, similar to the second quarter. However, there was a decrease in the number of respondents citing employees’ skill gaps as a barrier. Traverse Connect and other economic development partners in Northwest Michigan are working on talent attraction and retention strategies in 2025.
Traverse Connect’s accomplishments for the third quarter of 2025 are summarized on the second page, with advancement on a diverse set of strategic initiatives focused on economic development, talent retention and attraction, and advocacy. The final page of the update provides a preview of Traverse Connect and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance events scheduled for the fourth quarter.
Read the full report by clicking the image below:
