Two new business surveys show a grim look at reality through the eyes of small-business owners, CNN Money reports. The December Small Business Optimism Index from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) revealed its largest ever monthly decline in small-business employment. It also showed:
- 53 percent of business owners faced falling profits in the past three months versus last quarter
- 46 percent reported lower sales
- 15 percent saw a recent increase in sales, a record-low figure
- 13 percent more owners expect the economy to worsen than improve
- 7 percent have reduced staff compensation
Another survey from the National Small Business Association (NSBA) revealed:
- 38 percent of respondents have enjoyed increased sales
- 45 percent report declining sales
- 64 percent expect the recession to continue for the next 12 months
- 38 percent are not confident about their businesses’ financial future—an increase from the 25 percent of business owners who said the same in August
- 26 percent had to shrink their staffs in the last 12 months
- 18 percent added jobs
Source:
CNN Money: Entrepreneurs' Optimism Hits All-Time Lows
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