At the recent Scappoose City Council meeting, a comprehensive analysis of Columbia County's business landscape revealed both promising trends and significant challenges for local entrepreneurs. The presentation highlighted that Scappoose is home to 27% of the county's 1,587 businesses, with a notable 80% of these being homegrown ventures.

A key takeaway from the data is the demographic shift in business ownership. Women now manage 58% of local businesses, while the average age of business owners is 48. However, the report also indicated that 36% of businesses in Scappoose reported a decrease in their employee base over the past three years, raising concerns about economic stability in the area.

The overall sentiment among business owners regarding Columbia County as a place to operate was lukewarm, with an average rating of 3.31 out of 5. Scappoose fared slightly better, scoring 3.6, suggesting a more favorable view compared to the county average. Business owners cited community support and friendly relationships as key positives, but they also pointed to significant challenges, including a lack of skilled labor, high business costs, and regulatory hurdles.

A striking statistic revealed that approximately 18,000 residents commute out of the county for work daily, highlighting a critical issue of local job retention. The meeting underscored the urgent need for strategies to enhance the local workforce and improve business conditions, particularly in addressing the availability of land and buildings for commercial use.

As the council considers these findings, the focus will be on fostering a more supportive environment for businesses, ensuring that Scappoose can thrive in the competitive economic landscape of Columbia County.