Media releases

Federation University researchers have engaged with the Ballarat business community to capture the sentiment of local businesses during the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The online Ballarat Business Confidence Survey 2020 was devised by Dr Moulik Zaveri, Dr Damian Morgan and Dr Shoaib Riaz at the Federation Business School.

Ninety-six businesses responded to the 59-question online survey between August and October 2020. Eighteen businesses also took part in more detailed interviews.

Researchers found while business confidence in the region was low at the time, owing mostly to the pandemic-imposed restrictions and lockdowns, most of the businesses were hopeful and optimistic about making a full recovery.

The survey team identified the decline in business confidence by comparing results against data from an earlier survey for 2019-20 which was never published, due to the onset of the pandemic.

The 2020 survey was funded by independent business group Commerce Ballarat and the City of Ballarat.

It is hoped that the survey could take place every two years to continue to measure the business confidence of the region.

The survey findings were announced by Commerce Ballarat and Federation University this morning. Full results are available on the Commerce Ballarat website.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley

“The Ballarat Business Confidence Survey is a shining example of the high level of real-world community engagement on which Federation University prides itself.”

“Federation University is ever alert to the needs and developments of the world around it. Our curiosity and can-do attitude underpin the kind of innovative thinking that we applaud.”