It may not surprise you, but many small business owners in Michigan say workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation remain their main obstacles. This comes from a survey by the Small Business Association of Michigan. Brian Calley is the associations’ president and CEO. He spoke with Michigan News Network.
“For a long time, we have relied on older workers for our workforce, and workers over age 55 have left the workforce at rates higher than what we would normally see here in Michigan,” Calley said. “Then on the other side of the spectrum, very young worker’s, those that have kids at home still, they have left the workforce at a higher rate as well.”
Calley says some of it is a lingering impact from the pandemic, but he says the labor force participation rate in Michigan is below 60%, a modern time low. Still, he says 73% of small business owners are optimistic about the long-term survival of their business.
