The sun rises behind the downtown Lethbridge post office tower in 2023. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Nearly two-thirds of Lethbridge business owners optimistic

Jan 22, 2026 | 2:45 PM

Officials with Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce say they are pleased to see an overall positive sentiment among the city’s entrepreneurs.

The organizations have released the results of their 2025 Brighter Together Survey.

Chamber CEO Cyndi Crane says the survey helps them to identify areas in which they and their partners can advocate and find solutions.

“Working with businesses on funding opportunities and training and learning options that will help reduce costs remains a top priority, and one that can help businesses save money, prepare a better workforce, and use technology and innovation to make life easier when it involves their business,” says Crane.

The survey shows that 64 per cent of respondents were somewhat or very optimistic about the next 12 months of business operations (up one per cent), while just 13 per cent held a negative outlook (down two per cent).

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Approximately 60 per cent experienced growth over the last year, rising by four per cent compared to the previous year’s study.

The majority of company operators expect to increase their operating expenses over the next year (70 per cent), labour force (58 per cent) and capital investments (53 per cent).

They also plan to increase investments into staff training (56 per cent), cut costs (55 per cent) and increase the use and implementation of AI tools (46 per cent).

Ben Young, Interim CEO of EDL, says, “It is encouraging to see that businesses in Lethbridge are looking forward to a positive 2026, in light of all that’s going on in the world.”

Survey participants say the presence of multiple post-secondary schools is the greatest cause of satisfaction for business purposes, followed by the proximity to complementary industries and workforce skills.

On the other hand, the municipal tax environment was identified as the biggest hindrance.

The Brighter Together Survey reveals that nearly half of business owners are seeking help identifying relevant grant funding (49), while many are searching for staff training options (26 per cent) and government advocacy (24 per cent).

You can read the summary of the survey results on ChooseLethbridge.ca