JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) – A recent survey by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office reveals a big issue for business owners in Mississippi.
The survey of thousands of business owners revealed common hurdles to starting a business, investigating and expanding operations in the Magnolia State.
The biggest issue is the lack of an educated workforce.
“We need more jobs, higher wages and greater opportunities for all Mississippians, but the message businesses are sending us is clear,” said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. “We will fail to accomplish these goals if we do not have an educated workforce.”
Among other responses, the survey shows:
- About 75 percent of Mississippi businesses find it moderately to significantly difficult to find an educated workforce;
- It takes more than 47 percent of businesses three months to a year (or more) to find a qualified employee for an open position;
- About 45 percent of current businesses said they would expand in Mississippi if they had an educated workforce;
- More than 45 percent of businesses require employees to hold a two-year degree or higher; and
- More than 30 percent of businesses said an educated workforce is most important to their business, and 20 percent said community support was most important.