The survey conducted by Cleveland State University and Jumpstart, Inc., a non-profit that helps accelerates early-stage businesses, questioned 250 people at different stages of business. The overall attitude was optimistic about resources, infrastructure, and workforce supply in the region. Cost of living and commute time were seen as positive, quality of life benefits to the region.
Yet, there were still doubts about the region's business conditions. A number of those surveyed were more doubtful about the region's economic health than their own ability to sustain a business. Respondents also saw the government's responsiveness and access to capital as negatives.
These findings were comparable to last year's results. Both Jumpstart and Cleveland State officials say that there's room for improvement and that the annual surveys will continue to help identify trends.
Tasha Flournoy 90.3.