Have Your Say - Supporting Our Local Businesses

Wellington has a diverse and growing business community - you might work from home, run a shop, sell at markets, offer a service, or are just starting out. These experiences are all an important part of being a business in Wellington.

Local businesses are vital to our community so thank you to everyone who completed the survey to help shape future support.

What Now?

Thank you to those who participated in the survey and had their say as members of our business community. The survey is now closed. We have analysed your feedback and provided an overview of the results. You can find this document in the "document library" section.

Between February and March 2026, Wellington Shire Council asked local businesses to share how things are going and what support would help most right now. 64 local businesses responded including sole traders, small businesses, home‑based operators, shopfronts, and community organisations.

Businesses told us they are dealing with multiple pressures at the same time. The most common challenges were:

  • Finding staff - Difficulty attracting and keeping skilled, reliable staff, including volunteers and apprentices.
  • Rising costs - Rent, fuel, insurance, wages, utilities, materials and freight costs are increasing - squeezing margins.
  • Finding customers - Softer consumer spending, seasonal trade, online competition and reduced foot traffic.
  • Not enough time - Long hours, admin burdens and work-life balance pressures mean owners are often “working in” the business, not on it.
  • Marketing and technology - Feeling overwhelmed by social media, online platforms and changing digital tools.
  • Rules and compliance - Navigating permits, regulations, workplace requirements and procurement processes can be complex and time‑consuming.

Council is using this feedback to:

  • Improve how we communicate with and engage local businesses
  • Design support that is practical, targeted and flexible
  • Strengthen relationships with businesses across all towns
  • Focus on actions that help businesses save time, reduce confusion and build confidence

Thank You

This survey is part of an ongoing conversation. Council is committed to continuing to listen and work alongside local businesses to support a strong and resilient local economy.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. Your feedback is helping shape how Council supports businesses now and into the future.

To keep up to date with new opportunities or support check out the Taking Care of Business email by signing up here.