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Vermont

Vermont Business Climate Slips to 2.62

A survey of 135 Vermont businesses rated the state's business climate lower than last year, with half reporting price increases.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Inflation

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Vermont businesses rated the state's climate 2.62 out of 5 in a new survey, down from 2.86, with half reporting price increases this year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Vermont Futures Project and Vermont Chamber of Commerce survey rated Vermont's business climate at 2.62 on a 5-point scale, down 0.24 from last year's 2.86. Half of the surveyed businesses raised prices in the past year.

Why it matters

The survey identifies healthcare, workforce, housing, inflation, and taxes as the top challenges facing businesses in the state. Its findings are intended to inform lawmakers as they consider legislation in Montpelier.

The survey of 135 businesses produced a Vermont business climate score of 2.62 on a 5-point scale, a 0.24 decline from last year's 2.86. Half of respondents reported raising prices over the past year, and the report does not detail how much prices rose.

The players

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is the state's principal business advocacy organization, representing employers across industries in Vermont.

Vermont Futures Project

The Vermont Futures Project is a Vermont-based initiative that conducts research on the state's economic and policy outlook.

The details

Businesses rated the climate to do business in Vermont on a 5-point scale in the survey conducted by the Vermont Futures Project and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Rí Rá Irish Pub general manager Anthony Moore said public safety is his top concern, while Westport Hospitality managing director Hans Van Wees said revenues are flattening as expenses rise.

Timeline

  1. Last year: Prior survey recorded a Vermont business climate score of 2.86.

  2. January: Lawmakers are expected to consider legislation in Montpelier informed by the survey.

Inflation Context

The 2.62 score continues the decline from the prior Vermont survey's 2.86, placing the state's business sentiment on a downward path. Inflation ranks among the five top challenges cited by respondents, alongside healthcare, workforce, housing, and taxes.

Half of the surveyed businesses raised prices last year, which can carry through to what Vermont shoppers pay for goods and services. Businesses also named healthcare and housing costs among their top challenges, pressures that can affect household budgets.

The takeaway

Vermont businesses are reporting squeezed margins and rising costs, and their survey feedback is set to shape legislation this winter. Residents who track state policy can follow the January legislative session in Montpelier to see which priorities emerge.

What happens next

The survey results are expected to inform lawmakers as they consider legislation in Montpelier in January.

Further reading

For more on how rising costs are affecting businesses, see Inflation coverage on Wisevoter.

Source note: This article includes information reported by My NBC5.

Live Poll

Do you think the cost of living in your Vermont community is getting worse?