A recent poll by Gallup and Wells Fargo shows mixed feelings on the small business outlook for 2014. About 1/4 (23%) of small business owners have a positive outlook on the future, whereas 28% are worried about the year ahead. Nearly half feel the same as they did at the end of 2013.
The survey was conducted with over 600 employers having less than $20 million in revenue. Coincidentally, the survey’s outcome is nearly identical to one conducted two years ago.
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Major concerns of small business owners include:
- Overall strength of the economy (12%)
- Obamacare (11%)
- Federal government policy issues (11%)
“The reality is that small businesses are struggling to survive,” says Cap Wiley, owner of a small accounting firm in Rhode Island. Adding, “We need a consistent and dependable environment in which to operate that helps them grow and create jobs.”
Other small business challenges include finding new customers and business opportunities and securing cash flow.
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On the bright side, small business owners report having easier access to funding needed to start or expand their businesses.
You can read the full article by J.D. Harrison here.