Small Business Optimism from Small Business Success Index
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The Small Business Success Index was conducted in December 2008 and January 2009; a total of 1,000 small business owners were interviewed by phone. It was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. It found terrific optimism:
Small businesses are succeeding despite the economic downturn.
* 69% of small businesses made a profit in 2008
* 7% of small businesses report that they broke even
* The majority (69%) of those who showed a profit in 2008 said it was equal to or better than the previous year
* 70% of small businesses expect their firms to still be operating in five years as opposed to being closed, sold or transferred, and of these, 66% expect to be bigger in size
Small businesses are optimistic, regardless of the current gloomy economic situation.
* 23% of small businesses believe the economy will improve in 2009
* 26% of small businesses believe it will remain unchanged in 2009
* 48% of small businesses expect a decline in 2009
Small businesses are still investing in their companies, in spite of the 48% of small business owners expecting the economy to be in decline in 2009.
* 25% plan to increase their overall business spending
* 42% plan to spend the same
* 31% plan to decrease their spend
* 23% plan to increase spending on professional development of employees
* 26% plan to increase their internet marketing budgets, including online advertising and website development
More information can be obtained from:
Reporter & Analyst Relations Contact
Susan Wade, Director of Public Relations
703.668.5057 or swade@networksolutions.com
Sponsors include:
About Network Solutions, LLC
As the leading provider of Web solutions and the pioneer of the domain name registration service, Network Solutions offers a full range of Web-related services that includes Web hosting, Web design, e-commerce software, search engine marketing, SSL certificates, e-mail services, and domain name registration. Network Solutions draws on 30 years of experience to make it simple and affordable for customers to build and manage an online presence through a one-stop Web solutions provider.
About the Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 13 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, MS in business, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations on three continents — North America, Europe and Asia.
About Rockbridge Associates Inc.
The SBSI survey was conducted by Rockbridge Associates Inc., a leading market research firm based in Great Falls, Va. Clients include Fortune 500 ® companies, government agencies and associations. Rockbridge conducts primary research and consulting to help with product design, positioning, pricing, and customer satisfaction. www.rockresearch.com
