The City of Casey’s Business Insights Survey showed strong confidence across the municipality, with more than 60 per cent of local businesses planning to grow in 2026 and 73 per cent intending to do so in the City of Casey.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said, “The survey results tell us that our local economy is resilient and that businesses see real value in the support, connections and strong supply chains available in our city.
“Council provides great support programs for local businesses, and I encourage all local businesses to learn more about the support that’s available– no matter their age, size or industry.”
The survey also revealed a growing appetite for artificial intelligence, with 42 per cent of local businesses reporting a strong understanding of AI and current use in their daily operations.
While AI continues to grow exponentially, the survey revealed that businesses still value in-person guidance through mentoring and business advice. Networking opportunities are also highly valued, underscoring the importance of building strong, trusted relationships.
Pricing was also identified as both a key challenge and opportunity for many local operators, which reflects the pressure and competitiveness of today’s market.
To support local businesses into 2026, Council urges local businesses to subscribe to it’s Business eNewsletter and check it’s Calendar of Events regularly to stay informed about upcoming events and programs that can support their growth, such as the Business Permit Support Service, monthly Business Coffee Club networking events and one-on-one expert business mentoring.
For a complete view of local business sentiment and opportunities, visit the 2025 Business Insights Dashboard and use the data to inform your planning for the year ahead.