Most B.C. business owners would advise against starting a company today, CFIB survey finds
The federation's monthly barometer shows small-business confidence slipping heading into the provincial election.
A new Monthly Business Barometer from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) found that 56 per cent of British Columbia business owners would advise against starting a business in the province today.
The survey found small-business confidence falling heading into the snap provincial election. The CFIB said its long-term confidence index for B.C. sits below the province's historical average and well below its most recent high of 67.4 points in December 2025. Firms that trade internationally reported lower optimism than those selling only in Canada.
Ryan Mitton, the CFIB's director of legislative affairs for B.C., said owners point to high taxes, tariffs and red tape, and that the economy should be front and centre for every party in the campaign.
The findings land as owners weigh how to stay competitive with tighter margins, which is pushing more small firms to look at automation and lower-cost software to handle routine work.
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