How Central Oregon Small Businesses are Thriving in 2022

Central Oregon has become one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. According to the Bend Bulletin, a 2020 Census Bureau report stated that Deschutes County grew by 27% between 2010 and 2020, and over the past two years that number has increased to a 36.33% growth rate since 2010, according to World Population Review.

This ongoing, and increasing population growth brings with it some growing pains, but also significant opportunities and advancements to the expansion and variety of small businesses making a home in Central Oregon. 

While 2020 put considerable strain on small businesses in Bend, Redmond and the surrounding communities, the challenges of the time period also produced many innovations, and positive refinements for small businesses in our region. Here are some of the ways small businesses are thriving in Central Oregon in 2022. 

In the past year many business owners and consumers alike have felt the relief of lifted restrictions related to COVID-19, and are opening or re-opening their businesses at 100% capacity. Still, there are remaining trends that have taken root. Businesses that understand the value of these modifications, and take advantage of them are outshining their competition. Small business trends that went gangbusters in 2020, and 2021, and continue to thrive in Central Oregon include:

Delivery Service - Whether it’s a home goods store, restaurant or clothing boutique, owners and managers of businesses that offer delivery services have found a way to make convenience, safety, and customer satisfaction the top priority. While many will now go and visit a storefront without hesitation, it is still a valuable and thriving business strategy to also offer delivery services.

Online Services, Scheduling and Purchasing - Prior to the pandemic, forward thinking small businesses were already moving to offer more and more services and products online through website and social media storefronts, but the past few years have only made that trend more critical to success as a business. According to Money Geek, it’s not only essential to move your business online, it also allows you to harness large-scale power with a small team! Win, win.

Anticipate the Unforeseen - A big lesson all businesses were forced to learn over the past few years, and need to embrace as the business marketplace continues to change and evolve is to stay nimble and flexible. There is no business that is recession proof, or change-proof, but finding ways to adapt new technologies, processes and market developments will inevitably put your business in a position to outperform your competition.

If you are thinking of relocating, growing or launching your new business this year, let’s grab coffee and chat! The Northwest Key team is here to help you make your business plans a reality. We look forward to connecting with you.