A new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) paints a bit of a bleak picture for folks who might be interested in starting a business in B.C.
In the CFIB’s latest Monthly Business Barometer, it found that heading into this snap election, small business confidence is dropping.
It also didn’t offer much optimism for someone interested in starting a business in B.C., saying that a majority of businesses (56 per cent) advise against starting one today.
“The long-term confidence index sits below B.C.’s historical average and is well below its most recent high of 67.4 points in December 2025. Firms trading internationally show lower levels of optimism than businesses active only in Canadian markets,” the CFIB reports.
“With B.C. facing an entrepreneurial drought, the economy needs to be front and centre for all parties this election. Small businesses tell us they are suffering from high taxes, tariffs, and red tape,” said Ryan Mitton, CFIB director of legislative affairs for B.C.
Milton also made a suggestion as to what business people will be looking for from the leader of the province.
“As they prepare to cast their ballots in October, entrepreneurs will be looking for bold promises that help reduce the cost of doing business, like lowering the small business tax rate,” Milton added.
The biggest hurdles facing B.C. businesses, according to the CFIB, are tax and regulatory costs, wage costs, and fuel costs.
“Hiring plans remained net-negative, with slightly more businesses planning to reduce staffing than increase it,” the CFIB states.
The CFIB report goes on to say that weak demand is the leading growth constraint for almost half (48 per cent) of small businesses in the province, while the shortage of skilled labour was a big constraint for 36 per cent of small firms.
“It’s no wonder that 56 per cent of B.C. business owners say they would not advise [that] someone start a business today,” Mitton added.
One thing business owners have applauded from the current BC NDP administration is the stoppage of a planned expansion of the PST. Some businesses and services that were previously exempt from the tax would’ve been dropped from the exemption beginning Oct. 1.
B.C. Premier David Eby announced the revelation at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, just days before announcing the snap election.
In another move that would impact local jobs, he also announced that the next generation of BC Ferries would be built in B.C.
On the note of the snap election, things aren’t looking too good for Eby so far.