Canadian Small Business Internet Use On the Rise

Internet use among Canada's small- and medium-sized businesses continues to grow rapidly, according to the most recent survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

"In the two and a half years that we've been tracking this issue, Internet access among small firms has more than quadrupled," said CFIB's Director of Research Ted Mallett.

Survey results for Q1/98 show that 43% of business owners have access to the Internet, up 10% from Q1/97. Nova Scotia business owners lead the way with 56% already online and another 20% planning to get hooked up. Businesses in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Territories are also above the national average.

"The growth in the number of companies using the Internet has been really impressive over the past few years, but the expansion has been uneven," Mallett continued. "While the Internet has revolutionized the way some firms do business, others haven't seen significant advantages from their connection."

Firms in the business services industry are most likely to be connected (70%), with those in the transportation, wholesale trade, finance, and manufacturing sectors also experiencing strong growth. Retailers, construction firms, and the hospitality industry are lagging behind.

The full survey results are available on the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Web site.