Marion County Development released the results of their third quarter Business Pulse Survey on Friday. 

Twenty businesses participated in the survey conducted during the third quarter in 2024. These businesses represented 2,165 jobs within Marion County and 50% of those organizations have plans for expansion within the next year. Participating businesses reported adding 25 jobs from July-September in 2024, while only eliminating 16 positions over the same time period.

The businesses report having 49 current openings and 39% rated their current financial position as excellent. Seventy-eight percent of businesses participating reported that the quarter was profitable while five percent operated at break-even and 17% operated at a loss. Projections for profitability in the fourth quarter in 2024 showed 47% of businesses seeing no change, with 35% expected to see an increase in profitability and 18% facing a decrease. Businesses reported that their top three operational challenges were hiring and retaining qualified staff (40%), reaching customers and growing sales (20%), and challenging government regulations (15%).

Find the full Marion County Development Third Quarter Business Pulse Survey here.