Small business owners are doing something unusual this year -- smiling.
Intuit, the accounting software maker, says a new survey shows 57 percent of small business are optimistic about the overall business outlook for the 2005.
With this optimism comes a focus on growth, says Intuit. The survey found that 34 percent of small business owners are focused on actively growing their businesses this year. And about 69 percent say they would encourage others to start small businesses at this time.
When asked about how they would invest to achieve growth:
--- 39 percent reported purchasing new software and equipment,
--- 27 percent said marketing programs, and
--- 11 percent cited adding new employees.
Thirty-one percent cited the economy as the top issue facing small businesses this year -- down from the 36 percent that reported concern in 2004.
Source: www.intuit.com
