A survey of Windsor-Essex businesses has found the majority are looking to expand in the next year and a half.
The "One Survey" concept was a collaborative effort between the Windsor-Essex Economic Development Corporation, the regional Economic Development Officers, Workforce Windsor-Essex and WEtech Alliance.
It asked businesses questions about their expansion prospects, major challenges and how to improve the business climate.
Of the 200 businesses that responded, 60% reported they were planning to expand within the next 18 months.
Windsor's Economic Development Officer Matt Johnson says the "One Survey" concept is aimed at preventing "survey fatigue".
"I approached WEEDC and suggested that we consolidate some of our surveys that we have at the city and surveys they have and the project expanded about how to make this a regional project," says Johnson.
He says the results reflect reality.
"I'm not surprised by that. There is a change in the atmosphere and the ecosystem within Windsor. We are seeing a lot of uptake in new businesses or businesses that are expanding."
Johnson plans to use the information in the survey to focus the city's attention on how to help businesses grow and to make businesses more aware of the programs in the city to help them expand.
Over one-third of the business were interested in exporting to international markets.
The results are consistent with the Conference Board of Canada's outlook that the Windsor area is the second fastest growing economy in all of Canada this year.