Why the most successful economic plans start with a simple question
The new rules of local business
Across the country, local businesses are navigating a post-pandemic economy riddled with complexity. Labor shortages, rising costs, supply chain disruptions, empty storefronts, shifting consumer behavior, and an increasingly competitive landscape—all at once.
Yet amid this uncertainty, one truth holds steady: Thriving communities require thriving local businesses.
But here’s the hard question—how well do you really understand what your business community is going through?
A ribbon-cutting photo op doesn’t tell you if that new business feels supported. A few loud voices at an economic development roundtable don’t speak for the whole Main Street. Your next big idea to revitalize downtown might fall flat if it's based on guesswork instead of grounded data.
That’s where the National Business Survey (NBS) from Polco steps in.
What you don’t know about your local businesses could be holding you back
The NBS is the nation’s leading business climate survey designed specifically for local governments. It gives you statistically valid, actionable insight directly from the source: the business owners and managers working every day to keep your local economy alive.
The NBS doesn’t just tell you if businesses are “happy.” It uncovers the systemic issues, urgent needs, and hidden opportunities that shape the business environment in your community.
What if you knew:
- Whether local regulations are helping—or hindering—business growth?
- If businesses feel local government is responsive to their needs?
- How your infrastructure, permitting, or broadband access impacts operations?
- What factors influence their decision to expand, relocate, or close up shop?
- Whether your business retention efforts are actually working?
The NBS gives you this insight. Not from assumptions. Not from economic models. From your actual business community.
From Main Street to Industrial Park: Real answers for real decisions
Every community is different. That’s why the NBS gathers data across key dimensions of business life in your city, including:
- Business Climate and Outlook
- How do businesses feel about the current and future local economy?
- What are their growth expectations?
- Barriers and Opportunities
- What are the biggest challenges to success—workforce, permitting, access to capital, transportation, or something else?
- Satisfaction with Local Services
- How well are services like snow removal, parking, utilities, and police protection supporting business operations?
- Support for Business Development
- Do businesses feel the city provides helpful programs, communication, and resources?
- Intergovernmental Relationships
- How effective are partnerships with state or regional agencies in supporting economic growth?
All responses are benchmarked against communities nationwide, so you can see how you stack up—and where you stand out.
Data that builds smarter economic plans
Imagine developing a business support strategy that directly reflects the needs of your entrepreneurs and employers. Imagine presenting a grant application with clear, credible data on workforce gaps or infrastructure needs. Imagine showing your city council exactly which areas require investment to reduce business churn.
With the NBS, this isn't wishful thinking—it’s how smart planning starts.
The insights from the NBS help communities:
- Target investments where they’ll have the most impact
- Attract and retain businesses more effectively
- Improve regulatory processes and services
- Strengthen communication between government and businesses
- Build a long-term economic development plan with resident and business buy-in
In short, the NBS gives you the foundation for a more resilient, responsive, and relevant local economy.
The voice of business is within reach
Leaders don’t need to have all the answers—but they do need to know how to ask the right questions.
The National Business Survey helps you start that conversation in a meaningful, structured, and scientifically sound way. It replaces guesswork with guidance, helping you steer your community toward smart growth, economic health, and a better quality of life for everyone.
Because when you understand what your businesses truly need, you don’t just support local jobs—you build a stronger, more sustainable future for your entire community.
Are you ready to listen?
Let’s ask. Let’s know. Let’s lead.
Learn more about the NCS >>
