A business report, “The State of Small Business Report,” shows that US small businesses are optimistic despite serious challenges

What is the data behind the business report?

A random online sample of more than 1,100 U.S. small business owners or managers was the basis of the research. The companies had five to 499 employees.

The survey identified how study participants felt about their growth, confidence in the economy, technology use, marketing strategies, and government impact.

Top Findings

There were several interesting findings, but here are a few that captured my attention from the “State of Small Business Report”.

• 50% of small businesses say that government is not doing enough for them

• Hiring New Employees (50%)
• Increasing Profits (45%)
• Employee Healthcare (43%)
• Growing Revenue (43%)
• Cash Flow (36%)

• Small businesses use a mix of online (56%) and traditional marketing tools (44%)
• Word-of-mouth is top marketing tool (59%) used by businesses with 5-10 employees

• 44% of small businesses plan to increase their expenditures in IT

Full Report

Check out the other main highlights from this interesting study.

State of Small Business Report

Larger companies feel better about government’s current involvement, 37% of larger businesses with more than 101 employees say government does enough. 14% of leaders of smaller businesses (5-10 employees) are the most likely to want no government involvement. 50% | No, government doesn’t do enough 24% | …read more at waspbarcode.com

I dedicated more than half of my career to working with entrepreneurs, and this research validates my admiration of small business owners. They are the economic engine of any community. These men and women take their financial dreams and create job and service opportunities. Political leaders like to talk a “good game” during elections, but after elections, they adopt onerous laws and requirements that create hurdles for developing a healthy and growing entrepreneurial economy. We also have government officials (bureaucrats) who say they support small businesses, but don’t fund programs or initiatives that help small businesses grow. But in spite of these curve balls, small businesses continue to march on to their tune of independence.

Well, that’s my 2⊄ for today. Visit your local small business today.