Timmins chamber releases results of business confidence report

A business confidence survey in Timmins found that most respondents are optimistic about the next 12 months, a labour shortage is a major concern.

The Timmins Chamber of Commerce launched Small Business Week on Monday at Ciao Sandwich, a small eatery located downtown.

About a year ago, the owners said they took a chance by trying something new, offering Italian sandwiches on freshly baked focaccia.

“The response has been really good,” said co-owner Ryan Wilson.

“It just kind of proves that if you put a lot of love and work into something that it will be well accepted by the community.”

They’re not the only local business owners who are confident about their operations. Results from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 business confidence survey found that most of the 55 respondents are optimistic about their own operations.

However, less than half trust the local economy -- and even fewer trust the national economy.

“I think the important fact here is that 74 per cent of the businesses surveyed said that they’re confident in their business and growth in the next 12 months,” said chamber president Melanie Dufresne.

“There’s lots of businesses, obviously, in the downtown here, so we’re able to serve as those people who are downtown looking for snacks and drinks every day.”

One recurring challenge survey respondents highlighted is the high number of job applicants who lack necessary skills and experience. As a result, 64 per cent said workforce availability continues to be the most significant challenge.

To overcome that, the chamber said it has created a new position to help bridge the gap between education and industry.

“So that’s a pilot project for the upcoming two years,” said Dufresne.

“We’re really looking to work alongside industry as well as education to bring that closer in terms of what skill sets are required and to encourage the younger generation, as well, to look towards the future as to what programs and what careers are in high demand.”

Nearly 42 per cent of survey respondents also identified crime as a major concern, citing vandalism, theft, and downtown safety as ongoing barriers to customer traffic and staff security.